Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 686 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Rural Business Revitalization Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation of Rural Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate rural enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on an evaluation of this Act every three years. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a general business credit for rural enterprise zone employment and allows an investment tax credit for rural enterprise zone property. Increases the research tax credit for research conducted in rural enterprise zones. Defers the payment of capital gains tax on a capital gain which is reinvested in rural enterprise zone property.
Bill· SS. 689 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the United States Peace Tax Fund (Fund) to receive payments designated on the tax returns of qualified individuals to be used for nonmilitary purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on amounts transferred into the Fund. Requires the information to be printed in the Congressional Record. Permits conscientious objectors to designate on their income tax returns that any tax liability be paid into the Fund. Makes this designation procedure available to any individual who has demonstrated himself or herself, by reason of religious training and belief, to be opposed to participation in war in any form. Requires that each publication of general instructions accompanying income tax returns include specified information about the Fund, including the purposes of the Fund and the criteria governing one's eligibility to designate tax payments for it. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return for the purpose of determining whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1990 if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Authorizes corresponding procedures in connection with estate and gift tax payments, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires publication of this information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a United States Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees to distribute funds for eligible nonmilitary activities and research. Directs the Board to publish regulations to govern applications for funds. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 692 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution, consistent with U.S. sovereignty over Guam and the supremacy of U.S. law applicable to Guam, and within specified guidelines. Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government, through additional federally-funded programs, to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Provides that nothing in this Act or the Constitution of Guam shall impair the U.S. citizenship of the residents of Guam or their descendants or their rights and privileges as U.S. citizens under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam, in addition to those portions which currently apply. Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. Specifies its duties, including: (1) participating in consultations between the Governments of the United States and Guam; (2) studying existing statutes and regulations affecting the U.S.-Guam relationship; (3) reviewing policies and procedures of Federal agencies relating to such relationship; (4) compiling data; (5) drafting modifications in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and obtaining such modifications by negotiation and mediation concerning issues such as land claims and war claims; and (6) seeking to obtain maximum economic development and political autonomy for Guam, consistent with U.S. security interests. Provides that the United States will bear the cost of the work of the Commission. Authorizes the President or his designee to delegate to the Governor of Guam total or partial performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. Provides for U.S. consultation with Guam in advance of negotiations toward any treaties or international or executive agreements affecting Guam, and with respect to proposals to increase or decrease Department of Defense activities within Guam. Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. Provides for U.S. assistance to Guam in the establishment of offices in the United States and abroad, in becoming a member or participant in appropriate regional and international organizations, and in obtaining from other countries favorable treatment for exports. Prohibits the United States from using the Island of Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the clean up by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military in the past. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area, under which neither party may impose duties, quotas, or other restrictions on each other's products, nor shall the United States treat products of Guam as having originated in any other country. Defines "products of Guam" to mean articles that contain at least 30 percent value added in Guam, and specifies costs included in value added. Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on: (1) products that originate outside the customs territory of the United States and that are imported into Guam; and (2) exports from Guam, whether or not products of Guam. Requires the Governor of Guam to certify that the origin of "products of Guam" is, in fact, Guam, and provides for customs inspections of products brought into the United States. Title VI: Taxation - Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax, payable to the Government of Guam, to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. Grants the Governor the same administrative and enforcement powers and remedies with regard to such tax (pursuant to the laws of Guam) as the Secretary of the Treasury and other executive branch officials have with respect to U.S. income tax. Sets forth similar enforcement authority with respect to criminal violations, tax liens, and suits to recover erroneously or illegally assessed taxes. Grants the District Court of Guam exclusive jurisdiction over all judicial proceedings in Guam, both criminal and civil, with respect to such tax. Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. Provides that such law shall not impair the free movement of U.S. citizens to and from Guam, include the authority to naturalize aliens for U.S. citizenship, or alter the Governor's authority to issue U.S. passports. Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Provides that all pertinent U.S. laws regulating employment on Guam on the effective date of this Act shall remain applicable until replaced by duly enacted law of the Guam Legislature. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission periodically to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend termination of their applicability upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. Provides that Guam shall remain an "eligible point" for purposes of being ensured essential air transportation to and from the United States. Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. Grants Guam jurisdiction over all natural resources of the seabed, subsoil, tidelands, and adjacent territorial waters of the Island of Guam. Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. Authorizes the granting of easements on such property to the Government of Guam in specified circumstances. Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam or from its residents or products to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States likewise applicable to Guam on an equal basis. Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bases. Requires the Governor to submit such information to the Guam Legislature and the Office of Management and Budget for use in reviewing the Governor's request for appropriations for the annual Federal payment to Guam, which request the Governor shall submit to the President for transmission to the Congress each year. Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth, including: (1) U.S. financing of the costs of institutional changes connected with the change in Guam's political relationship with the United States; (2) help in meeting the capital needs of Guam necessary for long-term, self-sustaining development; and (3) establishing an economic development fund to assist expansion of the private sector. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Calls for this Act to be interpreted liberally to accomplish its purpose of providing for complete, internal self-government for Guam. Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam.
Bill· HRH.R. 1481 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, during each fiscal year, to assign up to 12,000 civilian officers and employees of the Department of Defense and members of the armed forces to temporary duty with: (1) the Immigration and Naturalization Service to assist in preventing the entry into the United States of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens; and (2) the U.S. Customs Service to assist in the inspection of cargo, vehicles, and aircraft at points of entry into the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 1464 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) manpower, education, and training; (3) operating programs; and (4) national security support capabilities, including the Ready Reserve Force.
Bill· HRH.R. 1495 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends Federal law to increase the Federal payments in lieu of taxes to units of local government for entitlement land. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to adjust such payments by the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
Bill· HRH.R. 1466 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Allied Health Professionals Promotion Act of 1991 - Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to grants and contracts concerning training of allied health personnel to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate 75 percent of the funds authorized to those allied health fields the Secretary determines to have: (1) the most significant shortages of practitioners; and (2) a significant role in the care and rehabilitation of patients who are elderly or disabled. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to assist allied health students in meeting the costs of entry level education, allocating 75 percent of the funds as above. Makes payments of tuition to, or on behalf of, a participating student tax-exempt. Authorizes appropriations for traineeships for advanced training of allied health personnel, making the traineeships available for postgraduate (currently, doctoral) programs and students. Establishes within the Health Resources and Services Administration the Advisory Council on Allied Health. Excludes registered nurses from the definition of "allied health personnel."
Bill· HRH.R. 1468 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all Federal Reserve banks and their branches. Requires the Comptroller General, within six months after the end of each fiscal year, to report to the Congress on the results of such audit.
Bill· HRH.R. 1465 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1992 - Title I: Fiscal Year 1992 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) research and development; (2) space flight control and data communications; (3) construction of facilities; (4) research and program management, including scientific consultations; and (5) the Inspector General. Permits appropriations for the first two numbered categories to be used for certain items of a capital nature (other than land acquisition) required for the performance of research and development contracts and for grants to nonprofit educational and research organizations to augment their research facilities. Prohibits the use of these funds for the construction of any major facility whose estimated cost exceeds a specified amount, unless the Administrator of NASA notifies specified congressional leadership and committees. Authorizes fund use, subject to limitations, for facilities construction, repair, or modification and for unforeseen programmatic facility project needs. Permits upward variances of funds for facilities construction under circumstances outlined in this Act. Authorizes certain fund transfers and makes available specified funds for the construction and modification of laboratories and other installations. Requires the Administrator to notify specified congressional leadership and committees of the nature, cost, and need for such construction before expending the funds in question. Prohibits, until 30 days following congressional receipt of the Administrator's full explanation, the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for any program that: (1) has been eliminated by the Congress; (2) is in excess of the amount actually authorized for the particular program (except for construction of facilities); or (3) has not been presented to either of the relevant congressional committees. Title II: Amendment to the Space Act on Protection of Information Developed under Space Act Agreements - Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to allow protection, for up to five years, of information that would be a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential if obtained from a non-Federal party under an agreement under specified provisions of the Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1478 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Trawlers Relief and Working Livelihood Act of 1991 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from restricting the taking of shrimp within the Exclusive Economic Zone or inland waters of the United States beyond the restrictions in effect as of enactment of this Act. Continues the prohibition until 90 days after the Secretary submits to the Congress findings regarding the need for additional restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of a specified percentage of the sales of shrimp caught using a trawl net when use of a turtle excluder device (TED) was required by Federal law. Declares that, notwithstanding any provision of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), no person shall be subject under the ESA to criminal penalties relating to the use of TEDs. Directs the Secretary, through the National Marine Fisheries Services, to implement a comprehensive headstart program involving the taking of eggs of all endangered and threatened species of sea turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic seaboard for hatching in captivity and return to the wild within one year. Directs the Secretary to construct captive maintenance facilities as necessary and ensure that the facilities include sufficient professional scientific staffs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1472 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore prior law for determining wages subject to employer social security taxes for certain employers whose employees receive income from tips.
Bill· HRH.R. 1485 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a certified public accountant or an enrolled agent authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service to represent a taxpayer in Tax Court proceedings involving $10,000 or less.
Bill· HRH.R. 1487 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make affiliated service group rules concerning employee benefit requirements inapplicable for certain transactions.
Bill· HRH.R. 1484 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the occupational tax from $250 to $165 for retail dealers in liquors and in beer. Limits assessments of underpayments with respect to taxable periods beginning after the date of enactment of this Act in connection with such tax. Abates assessments and mandates refund of overpayments of any post-1987 tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 1463 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Emergency Jobs Appropriations Act, 1991 - Title I: Meeting Our Economic Problems Coming from Changing Conditions with Essential Productive Jobs - Directs the appropriate congressional committees to study the current economic crisis, with emphasis on long-term recovery and and a strong private sector based on Government/industry partnership, and present their findings to the Congress by October 1, 1991, for appropriate action. Declares that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee should take necessary actions to achieve and maintain a level of interest rates low enough to achieve significant economic growth and reduce the current level of unemployment. Makes appropriations for FY 1991, in order to create productive jobs and protect public investment, for various activities relating to: (1) Federal buildings; (2) interstate highways; (3) mass transportation; (4) rehabilitation of highway bridges crossing over Northeast corridor rail transportation properties; (5) railroad infrastructure and rights-of-way improvement; (6) veterans' medical facilities and services; (7) public housing modernization; (8) community development; (9) international trade competition; (10) local economic development; (11) small business loans and investments; (12) small business oriented employment or national resources development programs; (13) parks and recreational areas and facilities; (14) the National Forest System; (15) Indian health facilities; (16) Fish and Wildlife Service facilities; (17) rural development and resource conservation, including rural water and waste disposal; (18) soil conservation, including watershed and flood prevention operations; (19) Federal, State, and local prison modernization; (20) water resource and hydroelectric power, flood control, shore protection, harbor channel and navigable waterway maintenance; (21) reclamation and irrigation projects; (22) Federal agricultural research facilities; (23) tree-planting and other natural resources development programs; (24) historic properties restoration; and (25) Bureau of Land Management facilities. Makes appropriations for FY 1991 to the Department of Labor to provide productive jobs for unemployed individuals under specified conditions, in various types of public service employment. Provides for allocation of such funds to eligible local governments, rural area concentrated employment program grantees, or States. Makes appropriations in additional amounts for FY 1991 for: (1) employment and training services; (2) grants to States for unemployment insurance and employment services; (3) higher education academic and research facilities; and (4) the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency food and shelter program. Makes appropriations for FY 1991 for: (1) construction and modernization of military family housing; (2) low-income energy conservation weatherization activities (in an additional amount) and (3) Federal motor vehicle procurement. Title II: Technical Provisions - Provides that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 193 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the Congress from making any appropriation that would result in total fiscal year appropriations in excess of estimated fiscal year revenues. Authorizes suspension of this prohibition in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt. Requires repayment of this debt during the 100-year period following ratification, at a rate of ten percent repayment per ten-year period.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 192 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the Supreme Court or any inferior court of the United States from ordering a State or political subdivision, or an official of such State or subdivision, from laying or increasing taxes.
Bill· HRH.R. 1456 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.
Law· HRH.R. 1455 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1991 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities in specified departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Declares that the authorized amounts and personnel ceilings for such intelligence activities are those specified in the classified schedule of authorizations. Authorizes the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to employ civilian personnel in excess of the ceiling for such personnel when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Title II: Intelligence Community Staff - Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Staff for FY 1991. Establishes an end strength ceiling of 240 full-time Intelligence Community Staff employees, including 50 full-time personnel who are authorized to serve in the Security Evaluation Office. Provides that such staff shall be administered in the same manner as the CIA. Title III: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System and Related Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1991. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees to eliminate the statutory provisions requiring a 15-year career review and an election option for participants in the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System (CIARDS) and requires such participants to remain under CIARDS for the duration of their CIA service. Specifies that the five years of marriage spent outside the United States required to qualify for former spouse status must have been during periods of the participant's service with the CIA. Permits a retiree under CIARDS who was unmarried at the time of retirement to: (1) elect a reduction in an annuity for purposes of providing a survivor benefit upon marriage after retirement (currently, an election for a current spouse must be equal to the election made for a spouse to whom the participant was married at the time of retirement); and (2) irrevocably elect within one year of remarriage, where his or her annuity was not reduced to provide a survivor annuity at the time of retirement, to provide an annuity for the new spouse in the event such spouse survives the retired participant (in such case, the retired participant would be required to deposit an amount by which his or her annuity would have been reduced if the election had been in effect since the date of retirement or, if later, the date the previous reduction in the annuity was terminated). Reduces the remarriage age for purposes of entitlement to survivor and retirement benefits under CIARDS. Requires a surviving spouse who remarries a retiree and becomes entitled to a CIARDS survivor annuity to choose between such annuity and any other survivor annuity to which he or she may be entitled to be eligible to receive survivor annuity payments. Provides for the restoration of benefits of certain former CIA spouses whose benefits were terminated because of remarriage before the before the age of 55, and whose remarriage is later dissolved by death, annulment, or divorce. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to restore health benefits of former spouses whose benefits were terminated because of remarriage before the age of 55, and whose remarriage is later dissolved by death, annulment, or divorce. Title IV: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for benefits for Federal employees to be increased as may be necessary for increases in compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from constituting authority for the conduct of any illegal intelligence activity. Authorizes the DCI to charge the entry of an alien against the numerical limitation for any fiscal year (beginning with FY 1991 and ending with FY 1996) notwithstanding that such alien's entry is not made to the United States in such fiscal year if the alien is an employee of the Foreign Broadcast Information Service in Hong Kong or the spouse or child of such alien. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to except from the competitive service all positions in the Department of Energy which the Secretary of such department determines are devoted to intelligence and intelligence-related Government activities. Requires the DCI to direct that elements of the intelligence community, whenever compatible with U.S. national security, consistent with operational and security concerns, and fiscally sound, award contracts in a manner that would maximize the procurement of products produced in the United States. Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to grant the use of the DOD reimbursement rate for military airlift services provided by DOD to the CIA if such services are provided for activities related to national security objectives. Directs the Defense Mapping Agency to offer certain maps and charts for sale. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from public disclosure any geodetic product under DOD control that: (1) is restricted pursuant to an international agreement; or (2) contains information that would, if disclosed, reveal sources and methods used to obtain material for geodetic products or military operational or contingency plans. Amends the National Security Agency Act of 1959 to authorize the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) to use appropriated funds for specified post-employment assistance for NSA employees who have been in sensitive positions but are found ineligible for continued access to sensitive information and continued employment with NSA, subject to specified conditions and reporting requirements. Permits the Secretary to authorize elements of DOD to engage in commercial activities to provide security for the conduct of authorized intelligence collection activities abroad. Prohibits such activities from being conducted after December 31, 1995. Sets forth provisions concerning the use, disposition, and auditing of funds generated by such activities. Authorizes the Secretary, if compliance with any Federal laws and regulations would create an unacceptable risk of compromise of an authorized intelligence collection activity, to permit the operation of the activity notwithstanding such laws and regulations. Permits personnel to conduct such activities in the United States only to the extent necessary to support intelligence activities abroad. Prohibits entities engaged in such activities from employing, assigning, or detailing U.S. persons to perform duties for such entities unless such persons are informed in advance of the intelligence security purposes of such activities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the House and Senate Intelligence Committees are kept currently and fully informed of such activities. Directs the Secretary to provide to any Member of Congress, upon request, complete access to the Tighe Report (the classified report of the Defense Intelligence Agency relating to efforts to fully account for U.S. military personnel listed as prisoner, missing, or unaccounted for in military actions). Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from disclosure any material that would compromise sources and methods of intelligence.
Bill· HRH.R. 1458 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Tax Exemption Equity Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status to organizations that directly or indirectly perform or finance abortions. Denies the income, estate, and gift tax charitable contribution deductions for donations to them. Denies an exemption for interest on any tax-exempt bond that is used to finance a health care facility that performs abortions while the bond is outstanding.
Bill· SS. 668 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Indian Environmental Consolidated Grant Program Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consolidate any or all grants made to an Indian tribe under any law administered by the agency for any fiscal year or years. Prohibits the amount of a consolidated grant for any Indian tribe under this Act from being less than the aggregate sum of all grants consolidated. Authorizes the Indian tribe receiving such consolidated grant to determine the proportion of its proceeds to be allocated among the pertinent programs. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations establishing procedures for an Indian tribe to apply for such grants. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) waive any or all requirements for matching funds required by law to be provided by an Indian tribe in connection with such consolidated grant; (2) waive any requirement that an Indian tribe submit an application or report in writing with respect to the grant; and (3) adjust or modify maintenance or level of effort requirements for any Indian tribe with respect to it.
Bill· SS. 661 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
American Energy Independence Act of 1991 - Title I: Energy Conservation - Subtitle A: Telecommuting Infrastructure Act of 1991 - Telecommuting Infrastructure Act of 1991 - Directs the Departments of Transportation (DOT) and of Energy (DOE) to study the costs and benefits, in their respective sectors, of telecommuting ("flex-place" working via telephone and computer, usually from home). Makes companies which offer or expand telecommuting flex-place programs eligible for certain Federal business tax credits. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a telephone exchange service carrier from providing video program service in its telephone exchange service area except through an affiliated video program subsidiary separate from such carrier. Requires any such carrier which provides telephone exchange service and the video program service of its subsidiary over an integrated broadband distribution system to establish a video gateway. Subtitle B: Other Conservation Measures - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require Federal agency heads to adopt procedures to assure that the construction of any new Federal building meets or exceeds certain applicable energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to promulgate guidelines for procedures to be implemented by State governments that would enable the assignment of energy efficiency ratings to residential buildings. Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue a research and development (R & D) program to improve energy efficiency and productivity in energy intensive industries and industrial processes; and (2) undertake joint ventures to encourage the commercialization of technologies so developed. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish specified voluntary energy efficiency guidelines for industrial plants. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary to evaluate and report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring electric lights, utility distribution transformers, and electric motors and pumps to meet minimum energy efficiency levels. Title II: Oil - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a variable excise tax on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary to take all necessary steps to expedite the increase of Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage capacity to 1,000,000,000 barrels of petroleum product. Sets a new capacity goal of 2,000,000,000 by FY 2003. Title III: Natural Gas - Creates a defense to any Federal civil or criminal antitrust action brought against cooperative associations of independent natural gas producers with respect to any voluntary marketing agreements or plans of action undertaken out of market necessity and with no purpose to reduce competition. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) determine if the charges, classifications, or practices of other domestic pipelines serving the market which certain import facilities serve confer an unjust competitive disadvantage on domestic natural gas producers; and (2) fix charges, classifications, or practices which would not confer such a competitive disadvantage. Title IV: Coal - Subtitle A: Value-Added Coal Refinery Act of 1991 - Value-Added Coal Refinery Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to establish within DOE a research, development, demonstration, and commercialization program for coal refining technologies based on hydrocracking to produce a slate of value-added clean burning boiler and transportation fuels, fuel additives, lubricants, chemical feedstocks, and carbon-based manufactured products more economically and efficiently than currently available commercial technology. Subtitle B: National Clearinghouse for Coal Fuels Technology Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to establish within DOE a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information and data on coal and coal-derived fuel technology. Authorizes appropriations. Requires DOE to conduct a Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Proof of Concept Program leading to the design, construction, and operation of an MHD retrofit plant. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Electricity - Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals for, and provide financial assistance to, at least one joint venture for the demonstration of electric fuel cell technology. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary to conduct a program to promote the early commercial application of electricity-producing fuel cell systems by the demonstration of such systems in Federal buildings. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Alternative Fuels - Alternative Fuels Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to promote the development and use of domestic-produced replacement and alternative fuels. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the minimum percentage of such fuels a refiner must sell as a motor fuel in 1996 through 1998. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Renewable Energy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a renewable energy production tax credit for specified energy technologies. Title VIII: General Effective Date - Makes this Act effective upon enactment.
Bill· SS. 679 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Residential Energy Efficiency Policy Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the value of any financial assistance or service provided by a public utility to a residential customer for the purchase or installation of energy or water conservation measures.
Bill· SS. 675 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991 - Redesignates the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration in the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) as the Veterans Health Administration. Title I: Special Pay for Physicians and Dentists - Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991 - Revises Federal provisions relating to special pay for Department physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay to such individuals under regulations prescribed by the Secretary after the Secretary has received the recommendations of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Department. Conditions such special pay upon the execution of a written agreement by the physician or dentist to perform a period of obligated service within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Provides that such individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time services. Prohibits special pay for those physician and dentist positions for which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. Authorizes the CMD to approve the payment of special pay to physicians and dentists employed on a less than half-time basis in specified circumstances. Prohibits the payment of special pay to physicians and dentists who: (1) are employed on less than a quarter-time or intermittent basis; (2) are in an internship or residency training position; or (3) are reemployed annuitants. Allows the Secretary to provide retention pay to physicians and dentists formerly receiving special pay but no longer eligible under new requirements outlined in this Act. Sets forth requirements of a written agreement, including provisions providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years, with renewal permitted upon full completion of a prior agreement; (2) refunding of special pay on a prorated basis for unfulfilled services; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; (4) the inclusion of terms under which the Secretary and the physician or dentist may terminate the agreement; and (5) special review by the Secretary of an agreement which will differ radically (provide more than 50 percent more or more than 25 percent less) from special pay received under previous agreements or which, when added to basic pay, will exceed certain limits. Requires the Secretary to include in annual reports information concerning agreements approved or disapproved by the Secretary under which special pay differed radically or which, when combined with basic pay, exceeded a specified limit. States that all such pay limitation requirements and reports shall not apply to a proposed agreement entered into after FY 1994. Directs the Secretary to adjust special pay as necessary to reflect any change in status of a physician or dentist from part-time to full-time or vice versa. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the VHA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel; and (6) service by a physician with exceptional qualifications within a specialty. Requires all special pay for such full-time physicians to be personally approved by the CMD on a case-by-case basis. Sets forth conditions and limitations to the payment of such special pay. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors. Requires the Secretary to pay each such physician an amount of special pay equal to the proportion of full-time service that physician performs, up to a specified limit. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians or dentists receiving special pay for service in certain executive positions from receiving 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 specific rate of special pay to be paid to each physician or dentist eligible; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Sets forth considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of special pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Provides minimum rates for the payment of special pay. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States that it is the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for VHA 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 VHA 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. Allows the Secretary to authorize the CMD to pay advance payments, recruitment or relocation bonuses, retention allowances, and interview expenses to the following personnel in the same manner currently provided under Federal employment provisions: physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the VHA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Title II: Labor-Management Relations - Department of Veterans Affairs Labor Relations Improvement Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to prescribe the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of the following VHA 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 VHA employee who accepts responsibilities for professional services for remuneration other than assigned responsibilities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines those outside activities and responsibilities that such a 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 prescribed 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 appeals 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 and 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. Authorizes the CMD 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 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) 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). Title IV: Reorganization and Redesignation of Parts IV, V, and VI of Title 38 - Reorganizes through recodification within Federal law various provisions relating to the organization and functions of the VHA, including provisions relating to organization, general authority and administration, patient rights, and research corporations within the VHA.
Bill· SS. 667 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Tribal Judicial Enhancement Act - Establishes the Office of Tribal Judicial Support (the Office), within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to further the development and enhancement of tribal judicial systems. Requires the Office to provide: (1) staff, research, and planning assistance to the Commission on Tribal Judicial Systems established by this Act; and (2) training and technical assistance to any Indian tribe, upon request. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Office, to establish an information clearinghouse on tribal judicial systems, including, but not limited to, personnel, funding, judicial activities, and decisions. Requires the Director of the Office to survey conditions of tribal judicial systems to determine the number of full- or part-time judges required by Indian tribes to provide for expeditious and effective administration of justice. Requires the Director to annually update the information and findings contained in the survey, taking into account certain local conditions on each reservation. Requires a report to the Secretary and the Congress on the results of the survey. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Office, to enter into contracts, grants, or agreements with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or international consortia pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination Act, for the development, enhancement, or continuing operation of tribal judicial systems on Indian reservations. Establishes specified uses of such financial assistance provided through such contracts, grants, or agreements. Directs the Secretary, with the participation of Indian tribes, to establish and promulgate by regulations, a formula which establishes base support funding for tribal judicial systems. Requires the Secretary to develop appropriate caseload standards and staffing requirements for the tribal judicial systems which are comparable to standards developed by the U.S. Judicial Conference, the National Center for State Courts, and the American Bar Association. Specifies certain factors to be considered in the development of such formula. Provides that each level of funding assistance shall correspond to such staffing requirements. Requires that if appropriations are not sufficient to fully fund tribal judicial systems at each level of assistance under the formula in any fiscal year, available funds for each level of assistance shall be evenly divided among the qualifying tribes. Establishes the Commission on Tribal Judicial Systems to develop, in cooperation with the Director, recommendations for the improvement of the administration and management of tribal judicial systems. Directs the Commission to carry on a continuous study and review of the operation of such systems. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the Bureau of Indian Affairs from exceeding a specified percentage of appropriated funds for administrative costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1442 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Employee Mass Transit Benefits Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax exclusion for the following transportation benefits provided to an employee by an employer: (1) payment for public transportation between the employee's residence and workplace; and (2) any transit pass entitling the employee to transportation on mass transit facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1445 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Rural Development Investment Zone Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation of Rural Development Investment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate rural development investment zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate an investment zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such investment zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers - Allows employers located in investment zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for qualified increased employment expenditures. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Rural Development Investment Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain investment zone construction property. Limits the credit to ten percent for new property, including rental property. Requires the recapture of credit amounts upon the early disposition of the property. Title III: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Rural Development Investment Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within investment zones. Requires the Secretary to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Title IV: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies in Rural Development Investment Zones; Regulatory Flexibility - Requires Federal agencies to seek to provide special assistance to designated rural development investment zones. Amends Federal law to revise "small entity" with regard to the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating with investment zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an investment zone. Requires agencies to approve a request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in maintaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety.
Bill· SS. 645 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
General Aviation Accident Liability Standards Act of 1991 - Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding liability for general aviation accidents. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 20 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions that exceed $50,000 for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions.
Bill· SS. 649 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the luxury tax on boats.
Bill· SS. 642 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the personal exemption for dependents who have not attained age 19, or who are students and have not attained age 24.
Bill· SS. 655 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
National Park System Visitor Facilities Trust Fund Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Park System Visitor Facilities Fund, which shall consist, with an exception, of an amount equal to all National Park System concession fees (including building user fees and rental payments collected under this Act on facilities constructed with monies from the Fund), paid to or due and owing to the United States, after September 30, 1989, to provide visitor accommodations and services in units of the National Park System. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to include in the budget estimate for the National Park Service, a list of projects proposed to be funded with monies from the Fund during the fiscal year following the fiscal year of the enactment of this Act. Provides that monies from the Fund may be expended only when appropriated. Makes such appropriated Funds available to the Secretary for expenditure without fiscal year limitation for specified purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to require a concessioner to complete projects with monies appropriated from the Fund. Sets forth requirements for all projects proposed to be completed with monies from the Fund. Directs the Secretary to collect fair rental value for the use of any visitor facility improved in whole or in part with monies from the Fund, except that if payment of such rental value is inconsistent with certain Federal law, the Secretary may waive or reduce such rental. Prohibits: (1) any possessory interest from being recognized in any portion of any facility improved with monies from the Fund; and (2) monies from the Fund from being used to acquire any such interest in any facility.
Bill· SS. 656 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Economic Growth and Venture Capital Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce 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 disposition, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers.
Bill· SS. 643 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the personal exemption for dependents who have not attained age six.
Bill· SS. 636 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Authorizes the President to resume negotiations in the Uruguay Round and to seek to obtain certain objectives with respect to: (1) dispute settlement mechanisms within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); (2) improvement of the GATT and multilateral trade negotiation agreements; (3) broader application of transparency and clarification of the costs and benefits of trade policy actions through the observation of equitable procedures in trade matters by contracting parties to the GATT; (4) procedures for reducing nonreciprocal trade benefits for more advanced developing countries and providing reciprocal benefits and assuming equivalent obligations by developing countries; (5) current account surpluses; (6) trade and monetary coordination; (7) increasing U.S. agricultural exports; (8) elimination of unfair trade practices and barriers to international trade in services; (9) intellectual property protection; (10) elimination of barriers to foreign direct investment; (11) specified safeguards; (12) reduction or elimination of tariff and nontariff trade barriers to U.S. exports; (13) promotion of worker rights; (14) access to foreign-developed high technology; and (15) revision of GATT with respect to border taxes. Authorizes the President to negotiate with Canada and Mexico to obtain a trade agreement that includes provisions: (1) for reduction of tariffs and nontariff barriers; (2) on environmental standards, enforcement, and compliance; (3) on worker rights and workplace safety; and (4) on health and safety standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 1426 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends Federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians of North Carolina. Authorizes any group of Indians in Robeson or adjoining counties, North Carolina, whose members are not enrolled in the Tribe to petition under specified provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations for acknowledgment of tribal existence. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided to Indians because of their status as federally recognized Indians, except that members of the Tribe shall not be entitled to such services until funds have been appropriated for such purposes. Deems members of the Tribe residing in Robeson and adjoining counties to be resident on or near an Indian reservation for purposes of the delivery of such services. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) upon verification of a tribal roll, to develop a determination of needs and a budget required to provide services to eligible members of the Tribe; and (2) to submit a written statement of such needs and budget with the first budget request submitted to the Congress after the fiscal year in which the tribal roll is verified. Authorizes the Tribe to plan and administer programs under Federal provisions pursuant to an annual written funding agreement between the Tribe and the Secretaries (in lieu of authority provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act) specifying: (1) the services to be provided, and procedures for modifying budget allocations, within any fiscal year; and (2) the responsibility of the Secretary for, and procedure to be used in, auditing the expenditures of the Tribe. Directs the Lumbee Tribe to organize for its common welfare and to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Directs the Secretary to assist the Tribe in the drafting of a constitution and bylaws, the conduct of an election with respect to such constitution, and the reorganization of the Government of the Tribe under any such constitution and bylaws. Declares that, until the Tribe adopts a constitution, the membership of the Tribe shall consist (with certain exceptions and subject to review by the Secretary) of every individual who is named in the tribal membership roll that is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the State of North Carolina to exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on specified tribal lands in North Carolina. Makes such Tribe eligible for certain agricultural loans to acquire land within reservations with respect to lands within the exterior boundaries of Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations, but requires submission of proposals by the Tribe to specified congressional committees prior to any expenditure of such funds by the Tribe.
Bill· HRH.R. 1434 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction for excess interest paid in connection with certain life insurance contracts. Modifies provisions with respect to indebtedness under such contracts. Requires the filing of information returns relating to changes in the insured under such contracts.
Law· HRH.R. 1415 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 - Title I: Department of State - Part A: Authorization of Appropriations; Allocations of Funds; Restrictions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) the diplomatic security program; (3) international organizations and conferences; (4) international commissions; (5) migration and refugee assistance; (6) bilateral science and technology agreements; (7) Soviet-East European research and training; and (8) the Asia Foundation. Part B: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Sets forth congressional findings concerning the organization of the Department of State. Repeals provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that provide for the establishment of an Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. Repeals provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that provide for the creation of the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Repeals a provision of the Department of State Appropriations Authorization Act of 1973 that provides for the establishment of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Repeals provisions of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 that provide for the establishment of an Office of the Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy. Amends the Foreign Service Buildings Act, 1926 to authorize the Secretary of State, subject to certain conditions, to enter into a contract for the acquisition of property and construction of diplomatic facilities in Moscow on a multiyear (not to exceed five years) basis when appropriations are available. Permits the cancellation of such contract when funds are not appropriated or available. Authorizes the Department of State to make advance payments for long-term leases and lease-purchase agreements when such payments serve the interest of carrying out the Foreign Service Buildings Act, 1926. Requires the Secretary of State to establish a threshold (currently, $25,000) at which leases must be approved under such Act. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the transfer into the Buying Power Maintenance Account of unobligated balances from accounts for the administration of foreign affairs. Prohibits the balance of the Account from exceeding $100 million. Permits funds appropriated for the Department of State in any account funded in the Department of State Appropriations Act to be transferred to any other appropriations account. Prohibits an account from being increased by more than 35 percent (ten percent for the salaries and expenses account and the acquisition of foreign buildings account) through such a transfer. Prohibits, unless the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations are notified, the reprogramming of Department of State funds in excess of $500,000 (currently, $250,000). Permits funds appropriated to the Department of State to be obligated and expended without prior notification to the Congress in emergency situations. Authorizes the Secretary to expend funds in the Foreign Service Buildings Fund without prior notification to the Congress so long as: (1) total reprogramming actions do not exceed 15 percent of funds available in such Fund for any fiscal year; (2) no new programs or capital projects are undertaken which have not been presented to the Congress; and (3) the Secretary reports quarterly to the Congress on reprogramming activities. Redesignates the Office of Munitions Control of the Department of State as the Office of Defense Trade Controls and increases the amount of registration fees collected by the Office that is required to be credited to a Department of State account. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the expenses of any international meeting or conference for which the United States serves as the host. Repeals a provision of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 that expands model foreign language competence posts. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to child care facilities at certain posts abroad. Increases the amount authorized to be made available for the construction of Foreign Service Institute training facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds to: (1) pay obligations arising under international agreements, conventions, and binational contracts; and (2) purchase special purpose passenger vehicles without regard to price limitations. Permits the Secretary to make payments in advance of the share of expenses for international fisheries commissions. Part C: Diplomatic Reciprocity and Security - Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 to raise the threshold (from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000) on diplomatic construction or design projects on which only U.S. persons may bid. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize special agents of the Department of State and Foreign Service to make arrests without warrants for any offenses against the United States committed in their presence. Part D: Personnel - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to permit members of the Senior Foreign Service who are appointed to positions in the executive branch to continue to receive the Foreign Service salary, performance pay, and leave in lieu of the salary and leave of the appointed position. Revises provisions concerning the salaries of chiefs of mission. Defines as an "employee," for purposes of provisions governing civil service retirement, life insurance, and health insurance, an individual employed by an international organization who has deposited required employee deductions. Amends provisions concerning the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) and the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS) and the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to deem as self-employed for purposes of social security coverage Federal employees who leave positions in which they are subject to social security employment taxes for employment in international organizations abroad (these amendments provide for continuation by such persons in FERS or FSPS). Grants employee contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund preferential tax treatment as long as such contributions are submitted to the agency from which the employee is transferred by the international organization. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to grant access to commissaries to American citizens hired to serve as teaching staff for dependents of employees abroad. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to extend the period of temporary storage of personal effects of Foreign Service employees for an additional three months in extraordinary circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to pay for the transport of the remains of a Foreign Service member to the designated home in the United States if the death of such member occurs in the United States. (Current law authorizes payment only for the transport of the remains of a member or family member who dies while abroad or in travel status.) Provides for payment for up to 60 days to Federal employees whose families or dependents are required to evacuate a post (even if the employee remains at such post). Revises Federal provisions regarding quarters, education, and cost-of-living allowances for Federal employees stationed in foreign countries. Includes Foreign Service National employees of the U.S. Government abroad in the definition of "employee" for purposes of applying Federal employee provisions concerning voluntary transfers of leave. Part E: Modifications to Other Laws - Repeals provisions of specified laws concerning: (1) a prohibition on denying requests by the Drug Enforcement Administration for danger pay allowances; (2) the assignment of U.S. officers and staff to the U.S. Mission to the European Community in Brussels, Belgium; (3) employment of commercial personnel at the American Institute of Taiwan; (4) the stationing of an Agency for International Development professional in the consulate in Jerusalem or the embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel; (5) a travel advisory warning for Jalisco, Mexico; and (6) the closing of, and funding for, specified diplomatic and U.S. Information Agency posts. Part F: International Organizations - Repeals provisions of specified Acts concerning the U.S. contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Authorizes the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement decision-making procedures on budgetary matters which assure that attention is paid to the views of the United States and other major financial contributors. Permits payments of assessed contributions for prior years to the United Nations if such payment would further U.S. interests in such organization. Removes a limit on the amount authorized to be appropriated annually for U.S. membership in the Permanent Association of International Road Congresses. Amends the American-Mexican Treaty Act of 1950 to authorize funds to be made available for entertainment and representation expenses of the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission. Repeals a provision of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 that requires the Secretary to report on the status of secondment within the United Nations by the Soviet Union and Soviet-bloc member nations. Part G: Japan-United States Friendship Commission - Amends the Japan-United States Friendship Act to revise provisions concerning administrative expenses of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission. Title II: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - United States Information Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) for FY 1992 and 1993. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to prohibit funds in excess of $500,000 (currently, $250,000) from being made available to USIA through a reprogramming unless the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations are notified. Adds to the authorities of the USIA Director the authority to purchase, rent, construct, improve, and operate facilities for television transmission and reception. Permits the USIA Director or other authorized Government agencies to pay to or for participants in programs under the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 the costs of: (1) emergency medical expenses; (2) the preparation and transportation of remains of participants' dependents who die while away from home during such participation; (3) health and accident insurance premiums; (4) per diem in lieu of subsistence; and (5) such other costs, as necessary. Authorizes the crediting of payments received in connection with USIA advisory services rendered to foreign students regarding study in the United States. Repeals a provision of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 concerning the closure of USIA posts and reductions of USIA personnel abroad. Permits USIA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S.S.R., to establish and operate reciprocal cultural information centers in Moscow and Washington, D.C., in accordance with a specified agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1990. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit the USIA Director or other authorized Government agencies to: (1) incur expenses authorized by the Foreign Service Act of 1980; and (2) furnish living quarters and provide specified allowances for Government employees in foreign countries. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the issuance of up to 100 conditional immigrant visas per fiscal year to USIA employees. Limits admission to periods of up to four years. Permits spouses and dependents of such employees to be admitted on conditional permanent residents. Sets forth provisions governing the transition to permanent resident status and the termination of conditional status of such employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1413 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to eliminate the requirement for a tax expenditure budget and to remove other reporting requirements concerning tax expenditures.
Bill· HRH.R. 1414 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1429 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit, any deduction for State or local income or franchise tax shall not be allocated or apportioned to gross income from sources outside the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 1432 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income compensation received by a Federal employee during the time served in the Persian Gulf combat zone.
Bill· HRH.R. 1427 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase out the possessions tax credit for corporations by 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 1419 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat qualified instructional materials as research and experimental expenses deductible from a publisher's gross income as business expenses.
Bill· SS. 618 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Violent Crime Control Act of 1991 - Title I: Safer Streets and Neighborhoods Act - Safer Streets and Neighborhoods Act of 1991 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1991 (Omnibus Act) to: (1) authorize appropriations ($1,000,000,000 for FY 1992 and such sums as necessary in FY 1993 and 1994) for grants to State and local law enforcement agencies; and (2) continue the Federal-State funding formula for such agencies for FY 1992. Title II: Death Penalty - Federal Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, of its intention to seek the death penalty and of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Includes as threshold aggravating factors for homicide that the defendant: (1) intentionally killed the victim; (2) intentionally inflicted serious bodily injury which resulted in the death of the victim; (3) intentionally participated in an act, contemplating that the life of a person would be taken, and the victim died as a direct result of the act; (4) attempted to kill the President of the United States; or (5) intentionally engaged in an act constituting reckless disregard for human life, knowing that the act created a grave risk of death to someone other than the participants, and the victim died as a direct result of the act. Sets forth special aggravating factors with respect to the crimes of treason, espionage, homicide, and attempted murder of the President. States that no person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Prohibits the execution of mentally retarded persons or pregnant women. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both the aggravating and mitigating factors. Requires the court to instruct the jury: (1) not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant or any victim in its consideration of the sentence; and (2) that it is not required to return a death sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals to review the record, address all substantive and procedural issues raised on appeal, and consider whether such sentence was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor whether the evidence supports the special finding of the existence of the required aggravating factor. Specifies that whenever such court finds that the sentence was imposed under such influence, the admissible evidence adduced does not support such special finding, or other legal error requires reversal of the sentence, the court shall remand the case for reconsideration or impose a sentence other than death (and, in any other case, remand for reconsideration). Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Prohibits requiring any employee of any State department of corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or any provider of services under contract to participate in any execution if participation is contrary to his or her moral or religious convictions. Bars the imposition of a death sentence for a death-eligible offense committed in Indian country unless the Indian tribe having criminal jurisdiction over land and persons subject to such jurisdiction has elected to have this title apply in such cases. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for: (1) murders committed by prisoners in Federal correctional institutions; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) attempting to kill the President of the United States (if such attempt results in bodily injury or comes dangerously close to causing the President's death); (4) murder for hire; (5) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (6) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death; and (7) other specified offenses, including civil rights murders and certain murders involving damage to religious property or obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs. Racial Justice Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the imposition or execution of sentences of death under color of State or Federal law in a racially discriminatory pattern. Specifies that to establish such a pattern: (1) ordinary methods of statistical proof shall suffice; and (2) it shall not be necessary to show discriminatory intent on the part of any individual or institution. Specifies that: (1) to establish a prima facie showing of a racially discriminatory pattern it shall suffice that death sentences are being imposed or executed upon persons of one race with a frequency disproportionate to their representation among the number of persons arrested for, charged with, or convicted of death-eligible crimes, or as punishment for crimes against persons of one race with a frequency that is disproportionate to their representation among persons against whom death-eligible crimes have been committed; and (2) to rebut such a showing, a State or Federal entity must establish by clear and convincing evidence that identifiable and pertinent nonracial factors persuasively explain the observable racial disparities comprising the pattern. Requires any State or Federal entity that provides for the death penalty to designate a central agency to collect and maintain pertinent data on the charging, disposition, and sentencing patterns for all cases of death-eligible crimes. Directs each such entity to: (1) monitor compliance by local officials and agencies; (2) devise and distribute to every local official or agency responsible for the investigation or prosecution of death-eligible crimes a standard form to collect pertinent data; (3) maintain, compile, and index such forms and data and make them available to the public; (4) maintain a centralized, alphabetically indexed file of all police and investigative reports transmitted to it by local officials or agencies in every case of death-eligible crime; and (5) allow access to its file of police and investigative reports to the counsel of record for persons charged with death-eligible crimes. Requires each local official responsible for the investigation or prosecution of death-eligible crimes to: (1) complete such form on every case of death-eligible crime; (2) transmit such form to the central agency within three months after disposition of each such case; and (3) transmit to such agency a copy of all police and investigative reports made in connection with each case of death-eligible crime. Requires such data to include, at a minimum: (1) pertinent demographic information on all persons charged with the crime and all victims (including race, sex, age, and national origin); (2) information on the principal features of the crime; (3) information on the aggravating and mitigating factors of the crime, including the background and character of every person charged with the crime; and (4) a narrative summary of the crime. Requires the court to appoint counsel for those financially unable to retain counsel and to furnish investigative, expert, or other services as necessary for the development of the claim of any such person, subject to certain limitations. Specifies that no determination on the merits of a factual issue made by a State court pertinent to any claim under this Act shall be presumed to be correct unless: (1) the State is in compliance with the provisions of this Act; (2) the determination was made in a proceeding in a State court in which the person asserting the claim was afforded rights to counsel and to the furnishing of investigative, expert, and other such services which were substantially equivalent to those provided in this Act; and (3) the determination is one which is otherwise entitled to be presumed correct under the criteria specified under Federal habeas corpus provisions. Title III: Death Penalty for Murder of Law Enforcement Officer Act - Authorizes the death penalty for the murder of: (1) Federal law enforcement officials; and (2) State law enforcement officers working with Federal agents. Title IV: Death Penalty for Drug Criminals Act - Death Penalty for Drug Criminals Act of 1991 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to authorize the death penalty for first degree murders committed in the course of: (1) drug distribution conspiracies; (2) drug import and export conspiracies; (3) drug distribution to minors, near schools, or while employing minors; and (4) the export, import, or distribution of major quantities of drugs. Title V: Prevention and Punishment of Terrorist Acts - Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: Punishing Domestic and International Terrorist Acts - Part I: Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) make it a Federal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment, to commit terrorist acts against U.S. nationals abroad; and (2) authorize the imposition of the death penalty where terrorist acts against U.S. nationals result in first degree murder. Part II: Terrorist Acts Committed in the United States - Authorizes the imposition of the death penalty for domestic terrorist acts that involve an individual acting as an agent of a foreign power and that result in first degree murder, and up to life imprisonment for acts that result in death that does not constitute first degree murder. Sets forth penalties for attempts or conspiracy to kill (up to life imprisonment) and for engaging in physical violence that results in serious bodily injury (up to ten years' imprisonment, a fine, or both). Specifies that, for purposes of this Act, a person possesses an intent to commit a terrorist act if such person intends to: (1) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (2) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (3) affect the conduct of a government by assassination, kidnapping, or other violent act. Part III: Increasing Penalties for International Terrorist Acts - Increases the penalties for terrorist acts committed against U.S. nationals abroad. Subtitle B: Preventing Domestic and International Terrorist Acts - Part I: Attacking the Infrastructure of Terrorist Organizations - Makes it a Federal criminal offense for an individual, acting as an agent of a foreign power, to provide material support or resources (including currency, securities, communications equipment, facilities, weapons, personnel, and other physical assets), or to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, or ownership of such support or resources, knowing that such resources or support are intended to be used to commit a terrorist act. Provides for the civil and criminal seizure and forfeiture of any real or personal property used to commit, or facilitate the commission of, terrorist acts. Part II: Electronic Communications - Expresses the sense of the Congress that providers of electronic communications services and manufacturers of electronic communications service equipment should ensure that communications systems permit the Government to obtain the plain text contents of voice, data, and other communications when appropriately authorized by law. Part III: Cooperation of Witnesses in Terrorist Investigations - Alien Witness Cooperation Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Attorney General to waive immigration admission, and other legal, requirements and grant permanent resident status for alien witnesses who cooperate with the Government in Federal or State prosecutions. Bars the granting of such status to an alien who would be excluded because of felony convictions unless the Attorney General determines that the granting of such status to such alien is necessary in the interests of justice and comports with the safety of the community. Limits the number of aliens and members of their immediate families entering the United States under such authority to 100 persons in any single fiscal year. Makes the decision to grant or deny permanent resident status under this Act at the discretion of the Attorney General and not subject to judicial review. Subtitle C: Preventing Aviation Terrorism - Makes the willful violation of certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations relating to airport and airline security punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Subtitle D: Preventing Economic Terrorism - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to counterfeit, or to make, deal, or possess any plate or other item used in the counterfeiting of, U.S. securities abroad. Establishes an Economic Terrorism Task Force to: (1) assess the threat of terrorist actions directed against the U.S. economy and the adequacy of existing policies and procedures designed to prevent such actions; and (2) recommend administrative and legislative responses to prevent such actions. Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding the makeup of such Task Force; (2) making provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to such Task Force; and (3) establishing reporting requirements. Specifies that if the report of the Task Force is classified, an unclassified version shall be prepared for public distribution. Subtitle E: Authorizations to Expand Counter-Terrorist Operations by Federal Agencies - Authorizes appropriations for counter-terrorist operations and programs. Title VI: Drive-By-Shooting Act - Drive-By-Shooting Prevention Act of 1991 - Sets penalties for any individual who, in furtherance or to escape detection of a major drug offense, with intent to intimidate, harass, injure, or maim, fires a weapon into a group of two or more people causing: (1) grave risk to human life (subject to a fine, up to 25 years' imprisonment, or both); and (2) death of one of those persons (including a sentence of death or life imprisonment without release). Title VII: Assault Weapons - Antidrug, Assault Weapons Limitation Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer, importation, receipt, or possession of any assault weapon, except: (1) by the Federal, State, or local government; and (2) with respect to weapons lawfully possessed before enactment of this Act. Specifies firearms to be included as assault weapons. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to recommend to the Congress the addition or deletion of firearms to be designated as assault weapons. Increases the length of imprisonment for an individual who uses or carries an assault weapon during and in relation to the commission of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Prohibits the sale, shipment, or delivery (or purchase, possession, or acceptance of delivery) of an assault weapon to (or by) any person who does not fill out a specified form. Establishes recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the request and delivery of such form. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) investigate and study the effect of this title on violent and drug trafficking crime; and (2) submit to the Senate a report on its findings. Specifies the effective period of this title. Title VIII: Police Corps and Law Enforcement Training and Education Act - Police Corps and Law Enforcement Training and Education Act - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) an Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education to be headed by a Director. Requires a State that desires to participate in the Police Corps program or the Law Enforcement Scholarship program to designate a lead agency and submit a State plan containing assurances with respect to: (1) lead agency cooperation with other State and local agencies; (2) the State advertising of the assistance available; (3) State screening and selection of law enforcement personnel for participation in the program; and (4) compliance with other specified requirements. Subtitle A: Police Corps Program - Authorizes the Director to award scholarships (including direct payments to institutions and reimbursement of educational costs) to participants who agree to work for four years in a State or local police force after completion of a baccalaureate program and police corps training, subject to specified conditions. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) scholarship assistance for dependent children of law enforcement officers; (2) the selection of participants; (3) minority recruitment; and (4) leaves of absence. Requires the Director to establish up to three training centers to provide basic law enforcement training to State Police Corps program participants. Requires participants to attend two eight-week training sessions at such training centers and to meet certain performance standards in order to remain in the Police Corps program. Requires the Director to pay participants a weekly stipend during training. Requires a State, in order to participate in the Police Corps program, to submit a plan for implementing such program to the Director for approval. Requires such plan to: (1) include assurances that participants will receive additional State or local training after completing Federal training which shall count toward the four-year service obligation; and (2) provide that program participants shall be assigned to community and preventive patrol in geographic areas with the greatest need for additional law enforcement personnel. Provides for the swearing in of participants as members of the police force to which they are assigned after completing Federal training and meeting the requirements of that police force. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Law Enforcement Scholarship Program - Directs each State to pay from funds under this Act the Federal share (not more than 60 percent) of the cost of awarding scholarships to in-service law enforcement personnel for further education. Sets forth State plan requirements, including identifying model curricula and existing programs and providing assurances that the State will promote cooperative agreements to enhance law enforcement personnel recruitment efforts in high schools and community colleges. Sets forth application requirements. Grants priority in awarding scholarships to members of underrepresented groups and to those pursuing an undergraduate degree. Requires each individual awarded a scholarship to work in a law enforcement position in the State which made the award for a period of one month for each credit hour of financial assistance (with a six-month minimum and two-year maximum). Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Reports - Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) annual reports by the Director to the Attorney General, the President, and specified Members of Congress; and (2) a special report by the Attorney General to the Congress on a plan to expand scholarship assistance to eligible Federal law enforcement officers. Title IX: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies - Federal Law Enforcement Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), U.S. attorneys, U.S. marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, U.S. courts, and defender services. Title X: Habeas Corpus Reform Act - Habeas Corpus Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth special habeas corpus procedures in capital cases. Applies such procedures to Federal habeas corpus cases brought by prisoners in State custody who are subject to a capital sentence. Makes the applicability to such procedures contingent upon a State establishing a mechanism for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable fees and litigation expenses of competent counsel consistent with this Act. Sets forth procedures for the appointment of counsel or for allowing a prisoner to proceed pro se. Provides for a mandatory stay of execution during the post-conviction review initiated pursuant to this Act. Details conditions which will cause such stay to expire. Prohibits a Federal court, if one of such conditions has occurred, from entering a stay of execution or granting relief in a capital case unless: (1) the basis for the stay and request for relief is a claim not previously presented by the prisoner in the State or Federal courts, and the failure to raise the claim is the result of State action in violation of the Constitution or laws of United States, is the result of Supreme Court recognition of a new Federal right that is retroactively applicable, or is based on a factual predicate that could not have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence; (2) the facts underlying the claim would be sufficient, if proven, to undermine the court's confidence in the jury's determination of guilt on the offense for which the death penalty was imposed; or (3) a stay and consideration of the requested relief are necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice. Imposes time limits on filing for habeas corpus relief. Requires such time limits to be tolled under specified conditions. Requires the district court, upon the development of a complete evidentiary record, to rule on the merits of the claims properly before it. Authorizes a district court to refuse to consider a claim under this Act if: (1) the prisoner previously failed to raise the claim in State court at the time and in the manner prescribed by State law; (2) the State courts, for that reason, refused or would refuse to entertain the claim; and (3) such refusal would constitute an adequate and independent State law ground that would foreclose direct review of the State court judgment in the U.S. Supreme Court. Provides an exception to such authorization. Makes the requirement for a certificate of probable cause inapplicable, with an exception. States that a mechanism for the provision of counsel services to indigents sufficient to invoke the provisions of this Act shall provide for counsel to indigents: (1) charged with offenses for which capital punishment is sought; (2) who have been sentenced to death and who seek appellate or collateral review in State court; and (3) who have been sentenced to death and who seek certiorari review in the U.S. Supreme Court. Prescribes minimum qualifications for appointed counsel. Authorizes payment of fees and expenses for investigative, expert, or other services reasonably necessary for the representation of the defendant. Allows the court to fix the compensation to be paid to an attorney appointed under this Act. Specifies which law is applicable in Federal habeas corpus proceedings. Title XI: Punishment of Gun Criminals - Gun Criminals Punishment Act of 1991 - Requires that any individual who, during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, discharges a firearm that kills another person, with intent to kill, be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without release. Increases penalties to be imposed in addition to penalties provided for a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime for carrying, possessing, or discharging a firearm during and in relation to such crime to up to ten years for any firearm and ten to 15 years for an assault weapon. Requires an individual to be sentenced to life imprisonment for a second conviction of such an offense if the firearm is an assault weapon. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate, or amend existing, guidelines to provide for a sentencing enhancement in accord with such provisions. Establishes penalties for possessing (current law covers only using and carrying) an explosive during the commission of a felony. Provides for 20 years imprisonment for using, carrying, or possessing an explosive, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction. Increases (from five to ten years) the term of imprisonment for knowingly making a false, material statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer. Sets penalties for: (1) knowingly failing to acquire the proper form or its equivalent with respect to the transfer, transport, receipt, or possession of an assault weapon; and (2) theft of explosive materials. Bars the sale of firearms and explosives to, or possession of firearms and explosives by, persons convicted of a violent or serious drug misdemeanor. Permits a judicial officer to consider pretrial detention of a defendant for certain firearms and explosives offenses. Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the disposal of forfeited firearms to authorize public sale to a licensed dealer, under specified conditions. Title XII: Prison for Violent Drug Offenders - Authorizes appropriations for the construction, and operation for one year, of ten regional prisons. Sets forth provisions with respect to the location and population of such prisons, prisoner eligibility (State and Federal prisoners with release dates of not more than two years from the date of assignment to the prison who have long-term drug abuse problems and serious criminal histories, and who agree to the assignment), State responsibilities, and the powers of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (e.g., to return any prisoner not complying with program requirements and conditions). Requires any State seeking to refer a State prisoner to a regional prison to submit to such Director an aftercare plan setting forth the provisions that the State will make for the continued treatment of the prisoner in a therapeutic community following release and providing for vocational job training where appropriate. Title XIII: Boot Camps - Directs the Attorney General, within one year, to establish within the Bureau of Prisons ten military-style boot camp prisons. Sets forth provisions with respect to prison capacity, proportion of State to Federal prisoners, and eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIV: Youth Violence Act - Subtitle A: Increasing Penalties for Employing Children to Distribute Drugs Near Schools and Playgrounds - Amends the CSA to increase the penalty for employing, using, inducing, or coercing individuals under age 18 to violate provisions of such Act, or to assist in avoiding detection or apprehension for certain offenses under such Act by Federal, State, or local law enforcement officials. Subtitle B: Antigang Grants - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to States and units of general local government to assist them in planning, coordinating, and evaluating projects to reduce the formation or continuation of juvenile gangs and the use and sale of illegal drugs by juveniles. Specifies the allocation (50-50) of funds available to each State for juvenile drug supply and drug demand reduction programs. Directs the Administrator to give priority to programs aimed at juvenile involvement in organized gang- and drug-related activities. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth provisions with respect to application, and review and approval, procedures. Subtitle C: Juvenile Penalties - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) add certain firearms offenses to the offenses over which the United States has juvenile delinquency jurisdiction; and (2) provide for the treatment of violent juveniles who commit firearms offenses as adults under certain circumstances. Specifies factors to be considered in transferring a juvenile to adult status. Classifies as serious drug offenses for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 serious drug offenses committed by juveniles. Title XV: Rural Crime and Drug Control Act - Subtitle A: Fighting Drug Trafficking in Rural Areas - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize appropriations, and increase the base allocation, for rural drug enforcement assistance. Directs the Attorney General to establish a Rural Drug Enforcement Task Force in each of the Federal judicial districts which encompass significant rural lands. Specifies the membership of such task forces. Directs the Attorney General to cross-designate up to 100 Federal officers with jurisdiction to enforce CSA provisions on non-Federal lands to the extent necessary to effect the purposes of this title. Requires the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to develop a specialized course of instruction devoted to training law enforcement officers from rural agencies in the investigation of drug trafficking and related crimes. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Increasing Penalties for Certain Drug Trafficking Offenses - Ice Enforcement Act of 1991 - Amends the CSA to increase penalties for specified offenses involving crystalline methamphetamine. Subtitle C: Rural Drug Prevention and Treatment - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Office for Treatment Improvement to establish a program to provide grants to hospitals, community health centers, and other appropriate entities that serve nonmetropolitan areas to assist in developing and implementing projects that provide, or expand the availability of, substance abuse treatment services. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the alcohol and drug abuse information clearinghouse required to be established under the Public Health Service Act to: (1) gather information pertaining to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration and other rural drug abuse treatment and education projects operating throughout the United States; and (2) disseminate information to rural hospitals, community health centers, community mental health centers, treatment facilities, community organizations, and other interested individuals. Subtitle D: Rural Land Recovery Act - Specifies that each of the Rural Drug Enforcement Task Forces shall include one Director of Rural Land Recovery. Requires that assets seized from rural clandestine methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs laboratory operations and their operators be used primarily to fund the decontamination of the property and immediate environment chemically fouled by such operations or operators (and any remaining assets used to decontaminate other such sites throughout the jurisdiction of the task force). Directs State and Federal prosecutors, when bringing charges against the operators of such laboratories, to include, in addition to drug-related charges, counts involving infringements of applicable environmental protection laws, including illegal disposal of hazardous waste and knowing endangerment of the environment. Authorizes such prosecutors and private citizens to bring suit against the operators of such laboratories for environmental and health-related damages caused by the operators in their manufacture of illicit substances. Title XVI: Drug Emergency Areas Act of 1991 - Drug Emergency Areas Act of 1991 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to replace language with respect to the designation of high intensity drug trafficking areas with provisions authorizing the President to declare a State or part of a State to be a drug emergency area. Requires requests for such a declaration to be made, in writing, by the Governor or chief executive officer of any affected State or local government and forwarded to the President through the Director of National Drug Control Policy. Allows cities, counties, or States to submit a joint request. Requires requests to be based on a written finding that the emergency is of such severity and magnitude that Federal assistance is necessary to ensure an effective response. Prohibits the President from limiting declarations made under this Act to highly-populated centers of drug trafficking, drug use, or drug-related violence. Requires the President to consider applications from governments of less populated areas where the magnitude and severity of such activities are beyond the capability of the State or local government to respond. Requires Governors or chief executive officers, as part of such requests and as a prerequisite to such assistance, to: (1) take appropriate action under State or local law to respond to the crisis and furnish information on the nature and amount of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to alleviating the emergency; (2) certify that State and local government obligations and expenditures will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements; and (3) submit a detailed plan outlining the State or local government's short- and long-term plans to respond to the emergency. Requires the Director to review requests submitted and forward the application to the President, along with a recommendation. Authorizes the President to make grants to State or local governments of up to $50,000,000 for any single emergency. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the costs necessary to implement the short- and long-term plan. Limits the duration of assistance to a drug disaster area to one year, after the Governors or chief executive officers may apply for an extension of up to 180 days. Requires any State or local government receiving Federal assistance to balance the allocation of such assistance evenly between drug supply and demand reduction efforts, unless State or local conditions dictate otherwise. Authorizes the President to: (1) direct any Federal agency to utilize its authorities and resources to support State and local efforts; and (2) provide technical and advisory assistance. Title XVII: Drunk Driving Child Protection Act - Drunk Driving Child Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Assimilative Crimes Statute to require the imposition of a Federal penalty (if not already imposed by a State) of one year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine in addition to any term of imprisonment under State law for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if a non-driving minor was present in the vehicle at the time of the offense. Amends the common carrier provisions of the Federal criminal code to increase the penalty for operating a common carrier under the influence of drugs or alcohol if a non-driving minor is present in the vehicle by up to one year's imprisonment and an additional $1,000 fine. Title XVIII: Commission on Crime and Violence - Establishes the National Commission on Crime and Violence in America to: (1) develop a comprehensive crime control plan to serve as a blueprint for action in the 1990s; (2) bring attention to successful models and programs; (3) reach beyond the traditional criminal justice community for ideas; and (4) recommend improvements in local, State, and Federal coordination. Sets forth the composition of the Commission, its responsibilities, administrative provisions, reporting requirements, and its termination date. Title XIX: Protection of Crime Victims - Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1991 - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended, to eliminate the cap on the crime victims fund. Requires all Federal law enforcement agencies to make their best efforts to accord victims of crime with the right to: (1) be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy; (2) be protected against their accused offenders; (3) be notified of court proceedings; (4) attend public court proceedings related to the offense under certain conditions; (5) confer with the Government attorney assigned to the case; (6) receive restitution; and (7) receive information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender. Directs Federal law enforcement agency heads to designate the persons required by this Act to identify and provide certain services to the victims of a crime such as informing victims about where to receive medical care, counseling, and police protection and about developments during the investigation and prosecution of the crime and after the trial (such as the arrest of a suspected offender or an escape of a convicted offender). Directs the Attorney General or the head of another department or agency that conducts an investigation of a sexual assault to pay, either directly or by reimbursement, the cost of a physical examination of the victim which an investigating officer determines was necessary or useful for evidentiary purposes. Directs that a responsible official provide the victim with general information regarding the corrections process, including information about work release, furlough, and probation. Requires (current law authorizes) the court to order restitution payments for specified violations of the Federal criminal code and the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Authorizes the court, in addition to ordering restitution of the victim of the offense of which a defendant is convicted, to order restitution of persons harmed physically, emotionally, or pecuniarily by defendant's unlawful conduct during which the offense occurred or during the course of a scheme, conspiracy, or pattern of unlawful activity related to the offense. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to determination of amounts owed to the victim, set-offs, enforcement of restitution orders, and procedures for issuing such orders. Amends the Federal Bankruptcy code to make an exception to a discharge in bankruptcy to the extent that the debt arises from a proceeding brought by a governmental unit to recover a civil or criminal restitution, or to the extent that such debt arises from an agreed judgment or other agreement by the debtor to pay money or transfer property in settlement of such an action by a governmental unit. Title XX: Crack House Eviction Act - Amends the CSA to authorize: (1) the Attorney General to bring a civil action against violators of prohibitions against maintaining places for the manufacture, distribution, or use of controlled substances; and (2) the court to assess a civil penalty of up to $100,000 and grant such other relief, including injunctions and evictions, as appropriate. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) aggressively pursue the use of criminal penalties, civil injunctions, forfeiture sanctions, and other remedies against drug offenders; and (2) report annually to the Congress on the manner and extent to which such remedies are being used and their effect in curtailing drug trafficking. Title XXI: Organized Crime and Dangerous Drugs Division - Subtitle A: Establishment of an Organized Crime and Dangerous Drugs Division in the Department of Justice - Justice Department Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1991 - Establishes within DOJ the Organized Crime and Dangerous Drugs Division, consisting initially of specified offices within the Criminal Division of DOJ and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program. Transfers to such Division all functions, personnel, and available funds of such offices and program. Requires such Division to be headed by an Assistant Attorney General for the Organized Crime and Dangerous Drug Division and a Deputy Assistant. Establishes within such Division such sections and offices as the Attorney General deems appropriate to maintain or increase the level of enforcement activities with respect to criminal racketeering, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, asset forfeiture, international crime, and civil enforcement. Directs the Attorney General to establish at least 20 field offices of the Division to be known as Organized Crime and Dangerous Drug Strike Forces. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to coordination of field activities and the transfer of staff assigned to the Task Forces to the Division (designated the Criminal Narcotics Section). Specifies that the agents assigned to the Strike Forces shall be dedicated exclusively to, and located with, the Strike Forces and shall be given credit for the work of the Strike Forces. Requires the Assistant Attorney General for Organized Crime and Dangerous Drugs to report to the Congress on the areas of the United States that may require increased assistance from DOJ through the establishment of additional strike forces. Authorizes appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Division for FY 1992, subject to certain limitations. Subtitle B: International Prosecution Teams - Requires the Division to include at least ten International Drug Enforcement Teams: (1) devoted exclusively to investigating, prosecuting, and supporting the investigation and prosecution of international drug cases; and (2) responsible for developing expertise in handling civil and criminal cases involving extradition, money laundering, drug-related corruption, and other complex cases relating to international drug trafficking. Specifies relationships of team members and goals, including improved coordination and cooperation between the United States and foreign countries in the suppression of international money laundering and narcotics trafficking. Title XXII: Exclusionary Rule - Amends the Federal criminal code to bar the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure that was in violation of the fourth amendment to the Constitution if the search or seizure was carried out in reasonable reliance on a warrant that was issued by a detached and neutral magistrate and that was ultimately found to be invalid, unless: (1) the judicial officer in issuing the warrant was materially misled by information in an affidavit that the affiant knew was false or would have known was false except for this reckless disregard of the truth; (2) the judicial officer provided approval of the warrant without exercising a neutral and detached review of the application for the warrant; (3) the warrant was based on an affidavit so lacking in indicia of probable cause as to render official belief in its existence entirely unreasonable; or (4) the warrant is so facially deficient that the executing officers could not reasonably presume it to be valid. Title XXIII: Drug Testing - Federal Prisoner Drug Testing Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require, as a condition of probation, supervised release, or parole, that the defendant pass a drug test prior to the imposition of sentence, refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance, and submit to at least two periodic drug tests (as determined by the court) for use of a controlled substance. Specifies that no action may be taken against a defendant pursuant to such a drug test unless the test confirmation is a urine drug test confirmed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques or one determined to be of equivalent accuracy.
Bill· SS. 612 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitations on deductions for individual retirement plans and provides a cost of living adjustment for deductible amounts. Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five year-period. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (2) financially devasting medical expenses.
Bill· SS. 632 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction for excess interest paid in connection with certain life insurance contracts. Modifies provisions with respect to indebtedness under such contracts.
Bill· SS. 624 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Repeals the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that requires certain games of chance conducted by a nonprofit organization to be treated as an unrelated trade or business for tax purposes.
Bill· SS. 616 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
United States Information Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) for FY 1992 and 1993. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to prohibit funds in excess of $500,000 (currently, $250,000) from being made available to USIA through a reprogramming unless the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations are notified. Adds to the authorities of the USIA Director the authority to purchase, rent, construct, improve, and operate facilities for television transmission and reception. Permits the USIA Director or other authorized Government agencies to pay to or for participants in programs under the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 the costs of: (1) emergency medical expenses; (2) the preparation and transportation of remains of participants' dependents who die while away from home during such participation; (3) health and accident insurance premiums; (4) per diem in lieu of subsistence; and (5) such other costs, as necessary. Authorizes the crediting of payments received in connection with USIA advisory services rendered to foreign students regarding study in the United States. Repeals a provision of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 concerning the closure of USIA posts and reductions of USIA personnel abroad. Requests the inclusion of a provision in this Act that permits USIA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S.S.R., to establish and operate reciprocal cultural information centers in Moscow and Washington, D.C., in accordance with a specified agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1990. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit the USIA Director or other authorized Government agencies to: (1) incur expenses authorized by the Foreign Service Act of 1980; and (2) furnish living quarters and provide specified allowances for Government employees in foreign countries. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the issuance of up to 100 conditional immigrant visas per fiscal year to USIA employees. Limits admission to periods of up to four years. Permits spouses and dependents of such employees to be admitted as conditional permanent residents. Sets forth provisions governing the transition to permanent resident status and the termination of conditional status of such employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1381 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to declare that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if: (1) such principal holds more than 50 percent of equitable ownership in such person; or (2) such principal, subject to rebuttal evidence, holds at least 20 percent but not more than 50 percent of equitable ownership in such person. Requires agents of foreign principals who have filed registration statements to file supplements to such statements with the Attorney General on January 31 and July 31 of each year. Authorizes agents with accounting systems using different fiscal years to petition the Attorney General to permit the filing of statements at the close of the first and seventh month of such fiscal year in lieu of the required dates. Provides that the exemption from the foreign agent registration requirement for individuals providing legal representation for a foreign principal before a U.S. agency shall apply only to representation before the Patent and Trademark Office. Imposes civil penalties upon persons who have: (1) failed to file registration statements; or (2) omitted a material fact or made false statements on registration statements. Authorizes the Attorney General to serve civil investigative demands on persons in control of material relevant to investigations concerning violations of registration requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 1374 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for hospitals to maintain tax-exempt status, including: (1) the provision of certain emergency medical care; (2) the acceptance of Medicaid and Medicare patients; and (3) the provision of community health centers and clinics in medically underserved areas.
PreviousPage 20 of 21Next