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Bill· HRH.R. 698 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional occupational tax on manufacturers and importers of cigarettes equal to the amount of smoking-related medical costs multiplied by the percentage of cigarettes sold during the preceding year in the United States. Sets forth the smoking-related medical costs for the three-year period beginning after December 31, 1991. Declares the costs for the three-year period beginning after December 31, 1994, to be the amount determined to be equal to the average annual amount estimated to have been expended for the care and treatment of smoking-related cancers, circulatory system diseases, and respiratory diseases under title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid). Authorizes appropriations of increased cigarette tax revenues to the Medicaid program.
Bill· HRH.R. 699 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Medicare Reimbursement Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional occupational tax on manufacturers and importers of cigarettes equal to the amount of smoking-related medical costs multiplied by the percentage of cigarettes sold during the preceding year in the United States. Sets forth the smoking-related medical costs for the three-year period beginning after December 31, 1991. Declares the costs for the three-year period beginning after December 31, 1994, to be the amount determined to be equal to the average annual amount estimated to have been expended for the care and treatment of smoking-related cancers, circulatory system diseases, and respiratory diseases under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare). Appropriates increased cigarette tax revenues to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under the Medicare program for smoking-related medical costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 696 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Desert Shield Tax Act - Provides that service by a member of the Armed Forces in Operation Desert Shield shall be treated as service in a designated combat zone for purposes of excluding combat pay from gross income and of extending the time for performing certain tax-related acts.
Bill· HRH.R. 710 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise from $5,000,000 to $25,000,000 the threshold amount of tax-exempt bonds that a small governmental unit may issue and still remain within the exception from arbitrage rebate requirements. Makes the exception from such rebate for construction bonds effective as if included under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Permits elections concerning such bonds to be made until 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. States that any rebates paid shall not be refunded. Increases from $10,000,000 to $25,000,000 the amount of tax-exempt obligations excepted from the pro rata allocation of interest expense of financial institutions to tax-exempt interest for qualified small issuers. Repeals the five percent unrelated and disproportionate private use rules for private activity bonds. Provides that a bond shall not be treated as an arbitrage bond by reason of any failure to meet any requirements of temporary period investments if all earnings which would cause such bond to be an arbitrage bond are paid to the United States by the issuer by the required due dates. Reduces from 100 percent to 90 percent the amount of arbitrage to be rebated to the United States if certain State and local bonds are not to be treated as arbitrage bonds. Provides that an advance refunding bond will not be tax-exempt if it results in amounts becoming available which are invested in substantially guaranteed higher yielding investments pursuant to a contract entered during a certain period before or after issuance of the bond.
Bill· HRH.R. 706 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
National Energy Strategy Act of 1991 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, as an economic and national security imperative, should: (1) formulate and implement a national energy policy based on achieving a domestic core supply of energy; and (2) work with the Congress in implementing such policy. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the first sale within the United States of imports of: (1) crude oil; (2) refined petroleum products; and (3) petrochemical feedstocks or petrochemical derivatives. Sets the rate of the tax as the difference between $22 per barrel ($24.50 for petroleum and petrochemical products) and the most recently published average price of a barrel of internationally traded oil, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with a specified formula. Treats certain geological and geophysical costs and surface casing costs as intangible drilling and development costs that a taxpayer may elect to capitalize or to deduct for income tax purposes. Exempts oil and gas wells from the application of the net income limitation on percentage depletion. Revises the percentage depletion allowance applicable to oil and gas wells, retaining a 15 percent minimum, but increasing the percentage incrementally (to a maximum of 30 percent) as the average annual removal price falls below $20. Repeals provisions that tax as ordinary income any gains from dispositions of oil, gas, or geothermal wells. Establishes a marginal production income tax credit for producers who maintain economically unproductive oil wells. Applies the credit to domestic crude that is: (1) from stripper well property; (2) heavy oil; or (3) oil recovered through a tertiary recovery method. Fixes the credit at ten percent of the qualified cost (determined in accordance with a formula set forth in this Act) of each barrel produced by the producer during the tax year. Establishes a crude oil and natural gas exploration and development tax credit. Allows a ten percent credit for qualified investments exceeding $1,000,000, 20 percent for those of $1,000,000 or less. Permits the credit as an offset against both minimum tax liability and regular liability. Repeals provisions that identify intangible drilling costs as a tax preference item for purposes of determining alternative minimum tax liability and corporate preference reductions. Allows 50 percent of the marginal production depletion preference (currently the alternative tax energy preference deduction) as a deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax. Increases from 65 to 100 percent the taxable income limitation on the percentage depletion deduction for oil and gas property. Permits a taxpayer to elect to carry forward to the next succeeding taxable year any portion of excess depletion allowances. Permits an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1992 through 2001, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2004. Applies the credit to depreciable property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled only be a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
Bill· HRH.R. 704 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any distribution from an individual retirement plan if: (1) the payee has attained age 59 1/2 on or before the date of distribution; and (2) the distribution is used during the taxable year to pay premiums for a long-term health care insurance policy covering necessary diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, or personal care services for the payee or a spouse meeting the same 59 1/2 year age requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 700 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to specify that pay adjustments for Members of Congress shall become effective on March 1 following the beginning of the next Congress after the Congress during which such adjustment is approved. Amends the Federal Salary Act to require the President to transmit to the Congress, within a specified time period, recommendations for rates of pay of Members of Congress and legislative and judicial employees. (Currently such recommendations are included in the Federal budget.) Prohibits the House of Representatives and the Senate from considering any bill or joint resolution carrying an appropriation for compensation of Members of Congress for any fiscal year if it carries an appropriation, or a limitation of appropriations, for any other purpose. Requires a recorded vote on such bill or resolution.
Bill· HRH.R. 686 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Environmental Infrastructure Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish infrastructure bonds as a category of tax-exempt bond. Includes within this new category any State or local bond issued as part of an issue 95 percent or more of whose proceeds are to be used to provide public sewage facilities, solid or hazardous waste disposal facilities, water supply systems, or other facilities acquired, constructed, or renovated to achieve compliance with Federal environmental law. Revises arbitrage rebate provisions. Classifies infrastructure facilities as seven-year property for purposes of the accelerated cost recovery system associated with the depreciation deduction. Designates a ten-year class life to such facilities under the alternative depreciation system. Exempts infrastructure facility property from restrictions relating to property leased to a tax-exempt entity.
Bill· HRH.R. 703 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual otherwise taxable amounts derived from the whole or partial surrender, cancellation, or exchange of any life insurance policy if: (1) the individual is age 65 or older on the date of the transaction; and (2) the amounts in question are used to pay premiums for an insurance policy covering at least 12 months of medically necessary nonemergency care for the individual or a spouse meeting the same 65-year age requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 682 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional minimum tax of five percent of gross income on certain foreign and foreign-owned corporations if they do not comply with a summons to produce records or testimony relating to the determination of tax for a taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 665 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Title I: Enterprise for the Americas Facility - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an Inter-American Development Bank loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Title II: Debt Reduction - Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title supersedes specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Title III: Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds - Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries. Requires the President to ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Title IV: Reports - Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 675 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Operation Desert Storm Reserve Forces Health Care Act of 1991 - Entitles Reserve members called to active duty for more than 30 days in connection with Operation Desert Storm, no matter where such duty is performed, to medical and dental care and other health care benefits currently authorized under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) for dependents of active-duty personnel serving on active duty for more than 30 days. Provides such Reserve personnel with such coverage for 30 days after release from such active duty, unless such member is covered by a private insurance plan prior to the end of such period. States that health care coverage for a condition incurred by an eligible Reserve member before or during the period of training or service in the armed forces may not be prohibited under an insurance plan on the grounds that the condition is a preexisting condition if such care would have been provided had no period of military service occurred. Authorizes the dependents of such Reserve member, during the period of active duty and the 30-day transitional period, to participate in the Uniformed Services Active Duty Dependents Dental Plan, notwithstanding a current requirement under such Plan that the member accept an active-duty commitment of not less than two years. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define and provide credit for employer health plan contributions for coverage of Operation Desert Storm reservists and their dependents. Makes such credit part of the general business credit of an employer for tax purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 668 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction of premiums paid or incurred by the taxpayer for a life insurance contract having as its exclusive beneficiary the trust of disabled members of the taxpayer's family. Sets forth qualifying criteria for such contracts and for their beneficiary trusts.
Bill· HRH.R. 673 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exemption for qualified small issue industrial bonds (bonds issued to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property) through 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 663 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Saving and Investment Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax deduction in the amount of dividends paid by domestic corporations, except S corporations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and personal holding companies. Repeals the income tax deductions currently permitted in connection with: (1) dividends received by a corporation; (2) dividends received by a corporation on the preferred stock of a public utility; and (3) dividends paid by a public utility on its preferred stock. Increases from 80 percent to 85 percent the deductible percentage of amounts received by a corporation from a qualified ten-percent owned foreign corporation.
Bill· SS. 267 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Amends Federal law to prohibit any State from imposing an income tax on the pension income of any individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of that State.
Bill· SS. 260 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Nondevelopmental Items Acquisition Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Federal Acquisition Regulation issued under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act to require that: (1) supply procurement requirements of Federal agencies are stated in terms of functions to be performed, performance required, or essential physical characteristics; (2) such requirements are defined so that nondevelopmental items (NDIs) (commercial items already available in the marketplace) may be procured to fulfill such requirements; (3) such requirements are fulfilled through the procurement of NDIs where practicable; and (4) prior to developing new specifications, executive agencies conduct market research to determine whether NDIs are available or could be modified to meet agency needs. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide for simplified contracting procedures for such commercial items. Specifies that such items must be items which are sold or traded to the general public in significant quantities in the course of normal business operations. Includes items which require only minor modifications to meet the needs of the procuring agency. Allows the Department of Defense to use procedures under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 in lieu of such simplified contracting procedures. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require that: (1) the inspection clause included in each executive agency contract for the acquisition of commercial items takes into account the contractor's past performance and any warranties the contractor may offer to the Government; and (2) Federal agencies take advantage of warranties offered by commercial contractors and use such warranties for the repair and replacement of commercial items. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to direct agencies to require offerors to demonstrate that products being offered are suitable for agency use and meet required product specifications. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide guidance to agencies on the use of past performance of products and sources as a factor in award decisions. Requires the Administrator of OFPP to issue guidelines for the training by executive agencies of personnel in the acquisition of NDIs. Amends the OFPP Act to make the advocate for competition for each procuring activity responsible for promoting full and open competition and the acquisition of NDIs and for challenging barriers to such acquisition. Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the use of market research in support of procurement of NDIs.
Bill· SS. 266 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Act of 1991 - Title I: Punishing Domestic and International Terrorist Acts - Subtitle A: 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. Sets forth procedures for the imposition of the death penalty, including provisions with respect to notice by the Government that it intends to seek the death penalty if the defendant is convicted, the conduct of the sentencing hearing, a list of mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered, proof of such factors, the return of findings, and procedures for appeal and review of a sentence of death. Prohibits sentencing to death individuals who were under age 18 at the time of the offense, or carrying out a death sentence upon: (1) a woman while she is pregnant; (2) a person who is mentally retarded; or (3) a person who, as a result of mental disability, cannot understand the nature of the pending proceedings, what such person was tried for, or the reason for or nature of the punishment or who lacks the capacity to recognize or understand facts which would make the punishment unjust or unlawful or the ability to convey such information to counsel or to the court. Sets forth provisions: (1) authorizing a U.S. marshal charged with supervising the implementation of a death sentence to use appropriate State or local facilities and employees to carry out such sentence and to pay costs in an amount approved by the Attorney General; and (2) prohibiting requiring any employee of a State department of corrections or the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or an employee providing services to such department or bureau under contract, as a condition of such employment or contractual obligation, to be in attendance at, or to participate in, any execution carried out under this Act. Subtitle B: 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. Subtitle C: Increasing Penalties for International Terrorist Acts - Increases the penalties for terrorist acts committed against U.S. nationals abroad. Title II: Preventing Domestic and International Terrorist Acts - Subtitle A: 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. Subtitle B: 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. Subtitle C: 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. Provides that the decision to grant or deny permanent resident status under this Act shall be at the discretion of the Attorney General and shall not be subject to judicial review. Title III: 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. Title IV: 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. Title V: Authorizations to Expand Counter-Terrorist Operations - Authorizes appropriations for counter-terrorist operations and programs.
Bill· SS. 268 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Special Needs Adoption Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses for children with special needs. Allows such deduction whether or not a taxpayer itemizes deductions. Amends Federal law to direct the Office of Personnel Management to establish a demonstration program under which an employee is reimbursed for qualifying adoption expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child with special needs. Requires a report to the President and the Congress by October 1, 1992, on such program.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 47 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress prior to each fiscal year. Requires the Congress to: (1) approve a proposed balanced budget for each fiscal year; and (2) adopt measures necessary to assure that fiscal year appropriations do not exceed revenues. Permits any bill that would cause a violation of this latter requirement to become law only if passed by two-thirds of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Authorizes a waiver of these provisions during times of declared national emergency.
Bill· HRH.R. 640 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Judicial Taxation Prohibition Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny to inferior Federal courts jurisdiction to issue any remedy, order, writ, or other judicial decree requiring the Federal Government or any State or local government to impose any new tax or to increase any existing tax or tax rate.
Bill· HRH.R. 651 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Mediplan Long-Term Care Act of 1991 - Title I: Long-Term Care Eligibility and Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that covered extended care services follow hospitalization, and to extend such coverage to 180 days per year, rather than the current 100 days of extended care coverage for each spell of illness. Requires that the coinsurance amount, charged for each of the first eight days of extended care, represent 20 percent of the national average per diem cost of such care. Covers nursing care and home health aide services as home health services if such services are needed less than seven days each week or are needed for up to 180 consecutive days. Adds a new title XXII to the Social Security Act entitled "Mediplan Long-Term Care Benefits." Covers nursing facility services and long-term home and community-based care for chronically ill individuals under title XXII, but limits such services, until 1998, to individuals who are age 65 or older. Defines a chronically ill individual as an individual who has been certified by a case manager pursuant to an eligibility assessment as: (1) being unable to perform three activities of daily living, for purposes of the provision of this Act's nursing facility services; (2) being unable to perform two activities of daily living, for purposes of the provision of this Act's long-term home and community-based care; or (3) having a similar level of disability due to cognitive impairment such that without supervision the individual would be a danger to, or unable to care for, himself or herself. Requires a case manager to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of chronically ill individuals and develop a written plan of care for such individuals on the basis of such assessment. Provides for the regular review and appropriate revision of such assessment and plans of care. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop a uniform instrument for use in conducting eligibility and needs assessments; (2) annually survey assessment and case management agencies to ensure their compliance with this Act's requirements; and (3) establish standards for case manager training programs. Requires that covered long-term care services be reasonable and necessary for the maintenance of the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of the beneficiary. Makes the title XXII program the secondary payor for benefits which an individual is also eligible to receive under the Medicare program. Requires that payments for nursing facility services and long-term home and community-based care for chronically ill individuals be based on a prospective payment system that takes into account variations in case mix and area wages. Limits payments for long-term home and community-based care to 90 percent of the median payment amounts for nursing facility services in the same wage area if a physician certifies that the individual requires skilled nursing and rehabilitation care and to 70 percent of such amounts if such certification is not made. Requires individuals to have received nursing facility services for at least 12 of the preceding 24 months before title XXII benefits will be payable for services furnished during 1994 and 1995 and to have received such services for at least two of the preceding three months before such benefits will be payable for services furnished thereafter. Sets the coinsurance amount for nursing facility services and long-term home and community-based care at 20 percent of the national average per diem payment amounts for such respective services. Makes such deductible and coinsurance provisions inapplicable to individuals whose income is below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. Establishes the Mediplan Long-Term Care Trust Fund which shall consist of revenues raised by this Act's financing mechanisms and amounts States save under their Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) programs due to the Mediplan program. Gives individuals the right to appeal title XXII eligibility or benefit determinations. Applies various administrative provisions of the Medicare program to the Mediplan Long-Term Care Benefits program. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on how Medicare health maintenance organization provisions might be adapted to Mediplan long-term care benefits. Directs States to pay to the Mediplan Long-Term Care Trust Fund amounts they save under their Medicaid programs due to this Act's long-term care coverage. Prohibits Medicaid duplication of Mediplan long-term care benefits. Title II: Financing Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional income tax on individuals and a tax on every taxpayer other than an individual to finance Mediplan long-term care benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 650 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Mediplan Health Care Act of 1991 - Title I: Health Care Eligibility and Benefits - Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Mediplan Health Benefits." Makes all U.S. residents eligible for Mediplan benefits. Requires the development of a Mediplan enrollment mechanism that includes automatic enrollment at birth and the issuance of Mediplan cards for identification and claims processing purposes. Provides the same benefits under the Mediplan program as are provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to individuals who are entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Imposes a $500 annual deductible on Mediplan beneficiaries, but limits an individual's annual out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments to $2,500. Provides additional Mediplan coverage to children under age 23, pregnant women, and low-income individuals. Imposes no coinsurance, deductible, or copayment for benefits provided to such children, to individuals whose income is below the Federal poverty level, or for pregnancy-related services provided to pregnant women. Charges individuals whose income is above the Federal poverty level but does not exceed twice that level with a proportion of cost-sharing amounts equal to the extent to which their income spans such limits. Provides children with preventive health care services, and children and individuals whose income is below the Federal poverty level with outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals, eyeglasses and hearing aids and examinations therefor, and inpatient hospital services without durational limitations. Includes postnatal family planning services among covered pregnancy-related services. Requires that payments under the Mediplan program be made only on an assignment-related basis. Requires payments for obstetrical services to be made on the basis of a global fee for the group of obstetrical services typical during the course of pregnancy, with slightly greater payments for prenatal care services begun in a women's first trimester of pregnancy and for non-caesarean deliveries. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a prospective payment methodology for outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals. Establishes the Mediplan Trust Fund which shall consist of revenues raised by this Act's financing mechanisms and amounts States save under their Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) programs due to the Mediplan program. Requires the modification of Medicaid and other Federal health programs to avoid their duplication of Mediplan coverage. Applies various administrative provisions of the Medicare program to the Mediplan program. Requires group health plans which provide their current beneficiaries with benefits which are in addition to Mediplan benefits to continue to provide such benefits to such individuals, though they needn't provide such additional benefits to individuals who are not entitled to them before this Act's enactment. Title II: Financing Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional income tax on individuals, a tax on every taxpayer other than an individual, and a tax on the wages paid by employers to finance Mediplan health care premiums.
Bill· SS. 254 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Repeals the provision of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989 which requires the withholding of income tax from wages paid for agricultural labor. Requires the Internal Revenue Code to be applied as though such provision had not been enacted.
Bill· SS. 246 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual taxpayer an income tax deduction for travel, meals, lodging, transportation, and uniform expenses paid or incurred in connection with the taxpayer's performance of services as a member of the armed forces reserves or the National Guard. Excludes the taxpayer's meal and entertainment expenses from deductibility limitations in this context.
Bill· SS. 252 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to transfer separation pay from the armed forces within 60 days after its receipt to an eligible retirement plan.
Bill· SS. 244 (102nd)failed
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Puerto Rico Status Referendum Act - Title I - Requires an island-wide referendum to be held in Puerto Rico in which voters will be presented a choice of three status options for Puerto Rico as follows: (1) statehood; (2) independence; or (3) commonwealth. Specifies a date or time period during which such referendum must occur. Provides for a runoff referendum between the two status options which received the largest number of votes if there is not a majority in favor of one of the options. Requires such referendum to include "None of the Above" as an option. Requires the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify to the President and the Congress the results of the referendum. Authorizes any aggrieved person to institute an action to challenge the choice certified by the Governor. Gives a three-judge court exclusive jurisdiction over all such claims. Provides that an appeal from a final judgment of such three-judge court will lie to the U.S. Supreme Court by way of certiorari. Requires the Chairmen of specified congressional committees to introduce the appropriate title (II, III, or IV) of this Act to implement the status selected by the People of Puerto Rico. Declares that enactment of this Act constitutes a commitment by the Congress to implement the status receiving a majority. Makes the implementation legislation effective in accordance with its terms, and upon approval by the people of Puerto Rico in a ratification vote. Directs the Joint Committee on Printing to provide a Referendum Information Booklet to each voter household in Puerto Rico at least thirty days before such referendum. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Statehood - Declares Puerto Rico, upon certification under title I of this Act, to be a State of the United States admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the other States effective January 1 of the 5th calendar year following such ratification. Provides that any lands and other properties that are set aside pursuant to law for the use of the United States shall remain the property of the United States. Requires each Federal agency having control over such lands or property retained by the United States to report to the President and the Congress concerning the continued need for such land or property. Provides for the election of U.S. Senators and Representatives. States that the office of Resident Commissioner shall cease to exist upon the swearing in of the first Member of the House. Increases the permanent membership of the House of Representatives to account for the additional Representatives from Puerto Rico. Continues in force all of the local territorial laws in force at the time of Puerto Rico's admission into the Union. States that all of the laws of the United States shall have the same force and effect within Puerto Rico as on the date immediately prior to the date of admission, with enumerated exceptions. Directs the President to appoint a Commission on Federal laws to survey U.S. laws and to make recommendations to the Congress as to which laws should be made applicable to Puerto Rico. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress on such recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the continuation of civil causes of action and criminal offenses. Preserves the right of judicial review of final decisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico or the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. Reserves authority in the United States for the exercise by the Congress of the power of exclusive legislation over lands held by the United States for defense or Coast Guard purposes. States that Puerto Rico shall always have the right to serve civil or criminal process within such lands for acts committed within the State but outside such lands. Provides that no provision of this title will operate to confer, terminate, or restore U.S. nationality. Directs the heads of all Federal agencies to examine the application of all programs within their jurisdiction and to recommend to the President and to the Commission on Federal Laws necessary changes and additional administrative requirements to properly apply Federal laws in the new State. Provides that effective on the date of admission of Puerto Rico, all Federal programs which provide assistance to individuals shall apply in Puerto Rico as they apply within the several States. Sets forth procedures for distribution of certain entitlement benefits to individuals under specified Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamp, and related programs. Provides that all Federal tax laws applicable to all other States shall be applicable to Puerto Rico on and after the date of its admission as a State of the Union. Continues the current Federal tax laws applicable to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico until it becomes a State. Establishes a four-year transitional period for application of Federal income tax laws to Puerto Rico after its admission as a State. Excludes foreign sales corporations (FSCs) created or organized under Puerto Rican laws from such phase-in of Federal income tax laws during the transitional period. Imposes Federal employment, excise, estate, and gift taxes during the transitional period, in the same manner as if the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico were a State, according to a four-year phase-in schedule. Provides for a four-year phase-out of the special Puerto Rico and possession tax credit as it applies to Puerto Rico. Provides that all income and excise taxes collected under Federal internal revenue laws prior to admission of Puerto Rico as a State shall be covered into Puerto Rico's treasury. Prohibits the Legislature of Puerto Rico from imposing additional duties after the Statehood referendum is ratified. Phases out over a specified transitional period any imposed duties in effect before such ratification. Repeals provisions of Federal law with respect to imposing tariffs or duties on articles imported into Puerto Rico. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to eliminate the special treatment provided to Puerto Rico with respect to duty-free treatment of Puerto Rican articles imported into the United States. Title III: Independence - Requires the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico to provide for the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention to serve until the proclamation of independence and to draft a Constitution for the Republic of Puerto Rico. Requires such Convention to draft a Constitution establishing a republican form of government which is required to guarantee the protection of fundamental human rights. Provides for the adjustment of U.S. property rights and for the ratification of the Constitution. Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation calling for the election of such officers of the Republic of Puerto Rico as may be required by the Constitution. Provides for a Joint Transition Commission which shall be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the United States in Puerto Rico. Requires that the costs of the Transition Commission be evenly divided between the United States and Puerto Rico. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. share of such costs. Directs U.S. agencies to provide technical assistance to the Commission on a reimbursable basis. Directs that any action arising from the title filed in U.S. Court be stayed and referred to the Joint Transition Commission for resolution. Directs the President, within one month of the certification of elected officers and approval of specified agreements, to: (1) withdraw and surrender all rights of possession, supervision, jurisdiction, control, or sovereignty then existing and exercised by the United States over Puerto Rico; and (2) recognize on behalf of the United States the independence of Puerto Rico. Vests all property, rights, and interest which the United States may have acquired over Puerto Rico, with an exception, in the Republic of Puerto Rico. Withdraws the application of all U.S. laws applicable to Puerto Rico immediately prior to independence. Requires Puerto Rico to recognize all orders and judgments rendered by U.S. or Commonwealth courts prior to independence. Declares that upon the proclamation of independence, the judicial power of the United States shall no longer extend to Puerto Rico. Provides for pending proceedings. Deems the Government of the Republic of Puerto Rico the successor to the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Directs the President to notify the Governments with which the United States is in diplomatic correspondence, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States that: (1) the United States has recognized the independence of Puerto Rico; and (2) all obligations and responsibilities of the U.S. Government which arise from any valid international instruments affecting Puerto Rico shall cease. Provides that all matters pertaining to Puerto Rican citizenship shall be regulated pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the Republic. States that upon the ratification under this Act, Puerto Rico shall no longer be deemed to be a part of the United States for the purposes of acquiring U.S. citizenship. States that no person born outside of the United States after such ratification shall be a U.S. citizen at birth if the parents of such person acquired U.S. citizenship solely by virtue of being born in Puerto Rico and whose principle residence continued to be Puerto Rico on or after the Proclamation, unless the parent at the time of such person's birth is a U.S. citizen employed by the Federal Government. Permits certain non-U.S. citizens to enter, lawfully engage in occupations, and establish residence as immigrants, in the United States. Requires that specific arrangements for the use of military areas by the United States in Puerto Rico be negotiated by a task force established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Continues all Federal programs in Puerto Rico until the end of the fiscal year in which independence is proclaimed. Requires that specific arrangements for the continuation or phaseout of Federal programs be negotiated by a Task Force on Economic Assistance established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Directs the Joint Transition Commission to establish a Task Force on Social Security to negotiate agreements necessary for the coordination of the U.S. social security system established by title II of the Social Security Act with a similar system to be established in the new Republic. Provides that such agreement shall: (1) protect the benefit rights of all individuals who have attained benefit eligibility under such title as of five calendar years subsequent to the ratification of this Act; and (2) provide appropriate credit for others who have contributed to such system. Ceases all programs operated under the Social Security Act in Puerto Rico at the end of the fiscal year in which independence is proclaimed. Requires that on December 31 of the year of such proclamation of independence issued under this Act: (1) any amounts remaining in the Unemployment Trust Fund allocable to Puerto Rico shall be transferred to the Republic of Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of Puerto Rico shall cease to be treated as a State for purposes of Federal law relating to unemployment taxes or benefits; and (3) any person who is a U.S. citizen as described by this Act shall not be treated as an employee with regard to U.S. laws relating to unemployment taxes or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to maintain an open trading relationship with the Republic of Puerto Rico after a proclamation of independence is issued. States that the President should: (1) seek favorable treatment from other countries for exports from Puerto Rico; and (2) encourage other countries to maintain open trading relationships with Puerto Rico and to designate it as a beneficiary under any preferential trade arrangements. Directs the Joint Transition Commission to establish a Task Force on Trade to consider and develop the manner in which trade between the United States and the Republic of Puerto Rico will be governed following the Proclamation of Independence. Requires the Task Force to submit a report on its deliberations, along with its recommendations, to the President and to specified congressional committees. Applies a specified rate of duty of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to products of the Republic of Puerto Rico entered or withdrawn from warehouse on or after the date of the proclamation of independence. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to include the Republic of Puerto Rico as a beneficiary country to receive duty-free treatment of its eligible articles. Authorizes the President to enter into a trade agreement with the Republic of Puerto Rico that provides for: (1) the reduction or elimination of any duty imposed by the United States; (2) the elimination of any other barriers; and (3) the establishment of a free trade area between Puerto Rico and the United States. Treats the Republic of Puerto Rico as a foreign country on and after the date of proclamation of independence, for purposes of Federal internal revenue laws. Phases out the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit with respect to income or investments from activity in Puerto Rico over a four-year transition period. Limits to certain bona fide individual residents of the Republic of Puerto Rico after its proclamation of independence the eligibility for tax exclusion of income from sources within Puerto Rico. Phases out over a five-year period the covering of certain taxes and customs duties into the treasury of Puerto Rico. Terminates the low-income housing credit with respect to Puerto Rico after ratification of this Act. Continues tax-exempt status for interest on bonds issued by Puerto Rico or its local governments on or before (but not after) the last day of the fifth calendar year beginning after such ratification. Prescribes certain gift tax rules for certain property transfers by a resident of Puerto Rico before the date of proclamation of independence. Directs the Commission to establish a Task Force on Currency and Finance to negotiate an agreement to: (1) assist Puerto Rico in the design and establishment of a deposit insurance system; (2) determine the extent of financial support to be provided for the system by U.S. insurance organizations in which Puerto Rico's financial institutions currently participate; and (3) make the necessary arrangements with respect to the use of U.S. currency by Puerto Rico if requested by Puerto Rico. Maintains until maturity the guarantees provided by the U.S. Government to investors in the secondary market for existing loans which originated in Puerto Rico. Requires the Republic of Puerto Rico to assume the outstanding debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its municipalities and instrumentalities. Title IV: Commonwealth - Makes this title effective upon the ratification of the Commonwealth under this Act. States that Puerto Rico is a unique juridical status, created as a compact between the People of Puerto Rico and the United States, and enjoys the sovereignty provided by the tenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution with autonomy consistent with its character, culture, and location. Makes this relationship permanent unless revoked by mutual consent. Allows the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify that the Puerto Rico legislature has adopted a resolution that states that a Federal law should no longer apply to Puerto Rico because there is no overriding national interest in having such law apply to Puerto Rico. Provides that a Federal law so certified shall no longer apply to Puerto Rico if a joint resolution approving the recommendation of the Puerto Rican Government is enacted. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such joint resolution. Authorizes the Governor of Puerto Rico to enter into international agreements to promote the international interests of Puerto Rico as authorized by the President. Details procedures for agencies to follow with respect to rulemaking and in carrying out their duties. Provides for judicial review of such rulemaking decisions. Excludes any rule issued relating to legislative matters within the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Finance or the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Directs the officials of the Departments of State and Transportation to seek the advice of appropriate officials of Puerto Rico when negotiating any air transportation agreements which would affect air traffic to or from Puerto Rico. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to maintain present law with respect to Puerto Rico's special trade arrangements relating to coffee and treatment under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Includes Puerto Rico as an insular area for purposes of provisions for the consolidation of Federal grants to such areas. Excludes any programs established or operated under the Social Security Act or the Food Stamp Act of 1977 from such a grant consolidation for Puerto Rico. Sets forth procedures for distribution of certain entitlement benefits to individuals under the Food Stamp program. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to consult with the Governor of Puerto Rico as to whether there are special circumstances or qualifications which should be considered in making appointments to specified positions. Requires the President, prior to nominating any person to serve in Puerto Rico whose appointment requires the advice and consent of the Senate, to consult with the Governor as to whether such circumstances or qualifications should be considered in deciding on a nomination. Makes consultation requirements inapplicable with respect to U.S. armed forces, Coast Guard, and law enforcement agency positions. Establishes the Office of Senate liaison for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. States that the purpose of such office shall be to facilitate the exchange of information between the Senate and the Puerto Rican Government. Authorizes appropriations for such Office. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Passport Office for the Caribbean in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to consult with Puerto Rico's Governor to determine what administrative actions can be taken to expedite the processing of visas. Requires the Secretary and Attorney General to report to the Congress on such consultations by March 15, 1993. Sets forth provisions with respect to antitrust laws and the development of voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence, sexually explicit material, and illegal drug use in telecast material and to promote local programming in Puerto Rico. Directs the President to report to the Congress on seven specified Federal properties. Requires such report to include an assessment of: (1) the Federal need for each property; (2) the costs and/or benefits of disposal of each property; and (3) the comments of the Puerto Rican Government regarding each property. States that, unless the President finds that there is a national interest which requires continued Federal ownership, such properties should be transferred to Puerto Rico. Establishes the San Juan National Historic Site Advisory Commission. Requires the Commission to regularly advise the Secretary of the Interior on the operation, management, and administration of the San Juan National Historic Site. Waives the renewal provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act with respect to the Commission. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Secretary and specified congressional committees. Revises the application of the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit to domestic corporations that derive a portion of gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business within a possession of the United States. Reduces the amount of taxes and customs duties covered into the Puerto Rican treasury according to a specified schedule following ratification of this Act. Continues current social welfare benefit programs in Puerto Rico during the first calendar year following ratification for commonwealth. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, beginning on January 1 of the second calendar year after such ratification, to withhold payments to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, unless certain defined conditions are met. Establishes procedures for the operation of other entitlement programs after Puerto Rico becomes a Commonwealth.
Bill· SS. 251 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that any individual who performed Desert Shield services (and the individual's spouse) shall be entitled to an extension of time for performing certain tax-related acts by reason of service in a combat zone. Allows the payment of interest on any overpayments due such individuals starting April 15. (Generally interest will be paid only on refunds made more than 45 days after a return is filed.) Applies the time extension granted by this Act to individuals hospitalized inside as well as outside the United States. Limits the time extension inside the United States to five years of continuous hospitalization, but denies this same extension to the individual's spouse.
Bill· SS. 256 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend vocational and technical education and training benefits to any member of the Selected Reserve or National Guard who agrees to a six-year service commitment any time after July 1, 1985 (currently, October 1, 1990).
Bill· SS. 247 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
State Minimum Return Act of 1991 - Declares any State eligible for a positive reallocation of Federal expenditures in the categories of procurement contracts and need-based programs if the State has a Federal expenditure to Federal tax ratio of less than 90 percent. Declares any State with a ratio of between 90 and 100 percent eligible for a positive reallocation in the category of procurement contracts. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine a State's eligibility, taking into account subsidies for water and power programs through Government corporations. Declares all Federal expenditures subject to reallocation, except expenditures for: (1) subsidized water and power programs; (2) compensation and allowances of Federal officers and employees; (3) maintenance of Federal buildings and installations; (4) offsetting receipts; and (5) programs for which the Government assumes the total cost and in which direct payment is made to nongovernmental recipients. Sets forth reallocation mechanisms designed to ensure that by the end of FY 1996 each State receives an amount of Federal spending equal to at least 90 percent of the State's Federal tax burden. Amends the Consolidated Federal Funds Report Act of 1982 to extend through FY 1996 the reporting requirements of the OMB Director with respect to Federal funds obligated for expenditure or expended in each State and various local units. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the impact of Federal spending, tax policy, and fiscal policy on State economies and the economic growth rate of States and regions.
Law· HRH.R. 598 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Department of Veterans Affairs Physicians' and Dentists' Compensation and Labor-Relations Act of 1991 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Special Pay - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay upon the execution of a written agreement between the Secretary and the individual involved requiring the individual to serve a period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such an individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time service. Prohibits the payment of special pay to those physician and dentist positions for which there are no significant recruitment and retention problems. Outlines requirements of a written agreement, including providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled service; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) submission to the Secretary of agreements where an individual is entering into a second or subsequent agreement for a specified amount of special pay. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust amounts of special pay to reflect changes in the status of a physician or dentist. Requires an agreement to be specifically approved by the Secretary if the special pay, in combination with the basic pay given to such individuals, will be in excess of Level I of the Executive Schedule of the Federal Government. States that such special approval does not apply to any agreement entered into after FY 1994. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel; and (6) service within a medical specialty by an individual with exceptional qualifications. Requires the maximum amount of special pay to be paid to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the Deputy Chief Medical Director (DCMD). Provides for special pay for part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors in an amount equal to the proportion of full-time service that a physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians and dentists provided special pay and serving in certain executive positions from being paid scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice). Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; (2) of the amount of special pay based upon the special pay factors for each individual; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Outlines considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of scarce specialty pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States as the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Allows the Secretary to authorize the CMD to pay allowances and expenses of certain professional health care personnel appointed by the Secretary as additional personnel necessary for the medical care of veterans in the same manner as the Office of Personnel Management is authorized to pay such allowances and expenses to other Federal employees. Provides agreement effective dates and transition provisions to cover agreements already in effect before the enactment of this Act. Title II: Labor-Management Relations - Directs the Secretary to prescribe the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of the following HSRA employees: physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-duty dental auxiliaries. Provides that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations with regard to such employees is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in the collective bargaining process with respect to conditions of employment. States that such collective bargaining may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question arising out of: (1) professional conduct or competence; (2) peer review; or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation. Requires any HSRA employee who accepts responsibilities for professional services for remuneration other than assigned responsibilities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines such outside activities and responsibilities that such person may not engage in or take on while an employee of the Department. Provides that whenever the CMD brings charges against a Department employee based on conduct or performance and, as a result of those charges, an adverse (disciplinary) action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action, either through: (1) a Disciplinary Appeals Board; (2) Department procedures; or (3) grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining, depending on the type of action involved. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register any proposed regulations concerning the collective bargaining or adverse action procedures. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case: (1) which arises out of a question of professional conduct or competence of an employee of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment; and (2) in which a major adverse action was taken (suspension, transfer, reduction in grade or pay, or discharge). Gives employees involved in such a case the right to: (1) advance written notice of the charges and actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained; and (2) an opportunity to be heard both orally and in writing on such charges. Requires a decision on such case by a deciding official within 21 days after the employee's response to the charges. Allows for a delay in a proposed action for up to one year while an employee seeks counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows the Secretary to require an employee to make a written or oral response to the charges within 30 days of receipt, with extension for good cause shown. Outlines further administrative action to be taken by the Board in a major adverse action appeal procedure, together with time limitations involved in each step. States that the Secretary's execution of the Board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case, with the affected employee entitled to judicial review of the order or decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the consideration of grievances of Department employees arising from adverse actions in which each action taken either: (1) is not a major adverse action; or (2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters other than as part of a mixed case. States that review of an adverse action shall be provided through either Department procedures or through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining. Outlines the rights of employees under the Department procedures to: (1) a formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department; (2) a prompt report of findings; (3) a prompt review of the examiner's findings by a higher official; and (4) legal or other representation in adverse action reviews under grievance procedures. Requires the Secretary to appoint Disciplinary Appeals Boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions taken against full-time Department employees based on professional conduct or performance. Authorizes the chairman of such a Board to authorize disclosure to the affected employee of records or information to be reviewed during an appeal procedure. Provides for the protection of the privacy of the individuals whose records are involved. Requires the Secretary to periodically designate Department employees qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards and to announce that a list of such qualified employees is available to any person requesting such list. Requires the Secretary to provide training in the functions and duties of such Boards and grievance procedures for employees selected to be on the panel. Title III: Miscellaneous - Requires physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries to be paid in accordance with a Nurse Schedule in effect on August 14, 1990, until the effective date of a determination by the Secretary to convert those occupations to covered positions under provisions enacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Empowers the CMD with the authority to determine the rates of pay with respect to covered Department regional and central office employees in certain grades. Requires the CMD to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of basic pay rates for such employees in order to assure that those rates are sufficient and competitive. Amends the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1986 to extend through FY 1991 a required annual report on the furnishing of nonservice-connected health care services to veterans. Allows full-time employees of the HSRA to receive and retain amounts paid for speeches, appearances, or articles so long as no conflict of interest is created by such actions or articles. Allows the same payments to part-time employees under the same conditions. Allows the Secretary to submit an administrative reorganization plan at any time during the year. Requires a 90-day congressional notification period to expire before the Secretary may implement the reorganization. Defines a covered administrative reorganization as one involving a reduction during any fiscal year in the number of full-time equivalent employees by: (1) 15 percent or more (currently, ten); or (2) by a percent which, when added to the percentage reduction in the number of such employees at a covered office or facility for the preceding fiscal year, is 25 percent (currently, 15) or more. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees for the reorganization of any unit of the central office of the Department that is the duty station of 30 or more employees (currently, more than 25 but less than 100). Requires judges of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to receive the salary rate received by judges of the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
Bill· HRH.R. 632 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an annual excise tax of $500 on cigarette vending machines. Establishes penalties for failure to pay such tax. Establishes the Reduced Tobacco Use Program Trust Fund and appropriates to the Fund amounts received from such excise tax. Makes amounts in the Fund available only to the Centers for Disease Control to carry out goals and objectives directed toward reducing the incidence and prevalence of smoking-induced diseases and specifically to carry out the goals and objectives of the Healthy People 2000 Report prepared by the Public Health Service.
Bill· HRH.R. 626 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Deems a Vietnam era veteran who was held as a prisoner of war to be considered a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, thus permitting such individual to be included in a target group of minorities for which the Department of Defense seeks to obligate five percent of all procurement contracts during FY 1991 and 1992. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by Vietnam era veterans who were held as prisoners of war within those businesses eligible under the minority contract goal for defense procurement contract awards.
Bill· HRH.R. 625 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Deems a veteran with a service-connected disability to be a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, thus permitting such individual to be included in a target group of minorities for which the Department of Defense seeks to obligate five percent of all DOD procurement contracts during FY 1991 and 1992. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities as businesses eligible for the minority contract goal for defense procurement contract awards.
Bill· HRH.R. 630 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit of two cents per pound for the recycling of hazardous wastes.
Bill· HRH.R. 618 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax deduction for State and local general sales taxes.
Bill· HRH.R. 606 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require indexing, based on the Consumer Price Index, of the adjusted basis of capital assets that have been held for more than one year, for the purpose of determining capital gain or loss at the time of transfer.
Bill· HRH.R. 602 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the provisions permitting small issues of tax-exempt bonds to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property.
Bill· HRH.R. 619 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-free rollovers to individual retirement plans of qualified total distributions from deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 613 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the luxury tax on boats.
Bill· HRH.R. 603 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for amounts spent to make the taxpayer's principal residence more accessible to and usable by handicapped individuals and elderly individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 560 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
National Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Title I: Provisions Related To Fuel Economy Standards - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prescribe minimum average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles manufactured in model years 1996 through 2000, and 2001 and beyond. Requires a 20 percent increase in average fuel economy over model year 1988 by 2000, and a 40 percent increase thereafter. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Transportation may consider petitions to modify such standards. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to conduct an ongoing study of the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles as compared to actual performance under average driving conditions. Requires the Administrator to report study results annually to certain congressional committees. Requires the Secretary of Energy to annually distribute at least 100 fuel economy data booklets to each dealer, and as many as are additionally requested. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress the results of a National Academy of Sciences: (1) review of the current state of research and development in the fuel economy of light trucks and passenger automobiles; and (2) assessment of the remaining potential for improving their fuel efficiency and reducing their energy consumption. Doubles the civil penalties for repeated violations of average fuel economy standards. Title II: Other Provisions Related to Energy Conservation and Provisions Related to Energy Research and Development - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that the rates allowed to be charged by a State-regulated electric utility shall be such that its investments in and expenditures for energy conservation, energy efficiency resources, and other demand side management measures are at least as profitable as its investments in and expenditures for the construction of new generation facilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress and the President regarding a survey of State rules and policies under which State regulatory authorities: (1) require or permit gas and electric utilities to recover their investments in end-use energy efficiency improvements and their lost net revenues from the reduced energy sales caused by such improvements; and (2) assign a positive dollar value to environmental costs and benefits when evaluating gas and electric utilities' resource planning and acquisition processes. Requires such report to evaluate to what extent each State has adopted regulatory and incentive policies to ensure that end-use energy efficiency improvements will compete on equal terms with additional energy production for gas and electric utilities' future investments in energy supply. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation; (2) solar and alternative energy; (3) enhanced oil recovery; and (4) fuel cells. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for the alternative fuels bus program from for FY 1992 through 1996. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide funding for the purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles by State and local government agencies as well as by private entities. Sets forth a percentage schedule for Federal purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on implementation of the alternative-fueled vehicle purchase program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation programs for schools and hospitals; and (2) the weatherization assistance program. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a revolving loan fund for loans to Federal agencies to implement the Federal energy management program. Requires loan recipients to give priority to reducing the use of refined petroleum products. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Title III: Provisions Related to Increased Petroleum Production Capacity - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take expedited measures so that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will have an increased petroleum storage capacity for one billion barrels of petroleum product by September 30, 1996 (including the acquisition and leasing of private capacity); and (2) continue acquisition, transportation, storage, and injection activities until the quantity of petroleum product in the Reserve is two billion barrels by the end of FY 2002. Directs the President to report to the Congress on Western Hemisphere cooperation in energy production and conservation. Title IV: Provisions Related to Duties and Taxes - Amends the Additional U.S. Notes to chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to direct the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy to determine offset amounts (the difference between $16 and any lower weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum), according to prescribed guidelines. Authorizes the President to exempt petroleum goods from any Western Hemisphere country from offset amounts if the President considers that the exemption would foster cooperation among the other Western Hemisphere countries with respect to energy resources development and utilization. (This provides for an automatic increase in import duties on petroleum and petroleum products to make up for any drops in the weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum below $16.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe gasoline tax rates in lieu of certain fuel deficit reduction rates for any month in which certain gasoline tax rates are in effect. Sets forth rate guidelines. (This provides for a standby contingency gasoline conservation tax if the price of crude oil falls below a certain average real price of crude petroleum. Sets a ceiling on any such tax increase equal to one-half of the price fall.) Imposes a tax for the removal of crude oil from specified Federal and State Outer Continental Shelf, submerged lands, or other lands subject to competitive lease. Excepts the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from such tax. Declares that gross income shall not include certain energy and water conservation subsidies provided consumers by public utilities. Establishes the Energy Security Trust Fund to implement this Act. Establishes as a separate account in such Fund the "Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Account" to implement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.
Bill· HRH.R. 563 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that amounts paid or incurred to acquire customer base, market share, or any similar intangible item shall be treated as paid or incurred for intangible property with an indeterminate useful life for purposes of determining the depreciation deduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 561 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the recapture of losses claimed by a savings and loan association by reason of certain acquisitions and because such association, after January 3, 1991, becomes subject to the jurisdiction of a bankruptcy court (or another Federal or State court in a receivership, foreclosure, or similar case), or receives Federal financial assistance. Describes such acquisition as one which occurred after November 10, 1988, and before January 1, 1989, and for which the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) provided assistance. Excludes Federal financial assistance from the determination of earnings and profits.
Bill· HRH.R. 557 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Military Personnel Pay and Benefits Act of 1991 - Title I: Military Personnel and Compensation Matters - Repeals current provisions prohibiting the payment of imminent danger pay and a family separation allowance during times of war or national emergency declared by the Congress. Establishes a monthly family separation allowance of $100 in lieu of $60. Authorizes the payment of such allowance to either spouse when both are members of the armed forces and have no other dependents. Requires the payment of a basic allowance for quarters to reserve members without dependents called to active duty who are unable to occupy their primary residence owned or rented by such members because of such active duty. Expands eligibility for the payment of foreign duty special pay to include both officers and enlisted personnel (currently, only enlisted personnel) and specifies the amount of such special monthly pay, which increases for each higher enlisted or officer pay grade. Makes survivors eligible for the payment of all accrued leave of members who die while on active duty. Provides that a retired member ordered to active duty and who serves such active duty in a grade higher than his retired grade is entitled, upon release from such new duty, to be advanced on the retired list to the highest grade satisfactorily served on active duty for not less than three years, as determined by the Secretary concerned. Authorizes the President to waive such three-year requirement in individual cases. Removes the ceiling on savings deposits for servicemembers carried in a missing person status during the Persian Gulf conflict. Establishes a standard death gratuity rate of $6,000 for members of all grades. Requires foreign language proficiency pay for members assigned to duty in connection with operations in the Persian Gulf who meet all eligibility criteria for such pay except that they have not been certified by the Secretary concerned to be proficient in a foreign language necessary for national defense purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should request the Government of Germany to contribute medical care to persons living in Germany who are dependents of members of U.S. armed forces in order to replace military medical personnel and equipment deployed to the Persian Gulf region to treat casualties resulting from military operations there. Title II: Internal Revenue Matters - Extends the time allowed for performing certain acts relating to income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code by reason of service in a combat zone for individuals who performed Desert Shield or Desert Storm services. Includes as such service: (1) any period of hospitalization outside the United States for an injury received during the Persian Gulf conflict; and (2) the period during which an individual so entitled to such extension is in a missing status. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, as part of the permitted time allowed before tax liability is recognized on the rollover of gain from a principal residence, an additional one-year period from the time in which a reserve member of the armed forces is released from active duty pursuant to a call or order. Title III: Student Loan Deferments - Makes eligible for repayment deferment of certain student loans granted under the Higher Education Act of 1965 a member of the armed forces called or ordered to active duty in connection with operations in the Persian Gulf. States that such period of deferment shall not be counted against the grace period normally available to individuals with respect to such loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 576 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends Federal law to declare that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 shall be applied and administered as if the three-year basis recovery rule applicable to government employees' annuities had not been repealed.
Bill· HRH.R. 562 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 35 miles to 200 miles the minimum distance requirement applicable to the deduction allowed for moving expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 572 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee the following qualified employer-provided transportation benefits: (1) the value of transportation in a commuter highway vehicle between the employee's residence and workplace; and (2) up to $60 per month of the value of any transit pass entitling the employee to transportation on mass transit facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 581 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include parsonage allowances as compensation for purposes of the limitation on benefits payable under defined benefit plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 565 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs credit permanently. Increases the maximum age requirement for economically disadvantaged youth from 23 to 25.
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