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Bill· HRH.R. 289 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Diversity in Media Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require holders of mass communications licenses to submit to the Federal Communications Commission an annual report describing the proportion of the ownership and control of such holder that is held by minorities and women. Requires the Commission, in a hearing on two or more mutually exclusive license applications: (1) to determine if an applicant is entitled to prevail, primarily, on the basis of increasing diversification of media ownership or, secondarily, on the extent to which the ownership and management are functionally integrated; and (2) if an applicant is not so entitled to prevail, to determine which applicant will best promote the public interest based on such factors. Requires the Commission, in evaluating applicants, to award a demerit based on ownership of other media and enhancement credits based on the extent to which the applicant is owned or controlled by minorities or women, past local residence and participation in civic affairs, and previous broadcast or other business experience transferable to broadcasting. Amends the definition of "media of mass communications" for purposes of random selection provisions to include instructional television fixed service, operational fixed and fixed satellite services, and other services without regard to whether the services are distributed for a fee or the reception system is individually addressed. Defines "system of random selection" to include any system that uses chance to select one applicant from a group of qualified applicants. Requires the Commission, when using selection criteria with a random system to select among mutually exclusive applicants for licenses, to grant a significant preference or enhancement to any applicant owned or controlled by members of a minority group or women. Requires the Commission to issue a tax certificate for assignment of a license or transfer of control of a corporate licensee for a broadcast, common carrier, private radio, or other telecommunications facility to an assignee or transferee owned or controlled by members of a minority or women if such action is consistent with increasing the participation of minorities and women as employees or owners of telecommunications facilities. Requires the Commission to allow a licensee holding a license designated for a revocation hearing or a license renewal application hearing to transfer the license to an eligible applicant owned or controlled by members of a minority or by women if there has been no final ruling by the Commission and if the amount to be paid by the transferee does not exceed a specified percentage of the fair market value of the license. Prohibits discrimination in employment by: (1) licensees of commercially operated or public broadcast stations; (2) commercially operated and public broadcast station networks; (3) common carriers; (4) satellite operators; and (5) the headquarters operations of any of these entities. Requires any such entity with five or more employees to establish a program to ensure equal opportunity in every aspect of its employment policy. Requires the Commission to prescribe rules specifying program requirements. Requires the filing with the Commission of an equal employment opportunity program by applicants for a construction permit, assignment of a license, transfer of control, or renewal of any license. Provides an exemption from such requirement: (1) for applicants with fewer than five full-time employees; and (2) with respect to any minority group representing less than one percent of the population recruitment area. Requires entities covered by this Act to file with the Commission annual statistical reports identifying by race and sex the number of employees in specified job categories. Requires the Commission to include in its report to the Congress information on the participation of women and minorities as employees and owners of telecommunications facilities. Requires the Commission, when determining criteria for applications for new licenses for media of mass communications, to include provisions that will increase the diversity of the ownership among the new licenses granted. Requires the Commission, when specifying application acceptance requirements for AM clear-channel stations, to accept all technically qualified applications owned or controlled by members of a minority or by women.
Bill· HRH.R. 224 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Federal Student Loan Act - Title I: Loans for College Students - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education for a program of student loans. Provides for payments to such institutions during FY 1992 through 1997, for student loans to cover periods through FY 1998. Sets forth the terms of such agreements, including maximum individual and average amounts of such loans per academic year ($4,000 individual and $3,250 average for undergraduates; $5,500 individual and $4,000 average for graduate students). Provides that payments to institutions be used for the establishment and maintenance of separate Federal student loan funds for graduate and undergraduate students at such institutions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1997, to be available for award until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. Title II: Definitions and Other Provisions Applicable to Entire Act - Sets forth the manner of Federal administration of such program (including the appointment of advisory committees by the Secretary) and the method of payment to institutions. Authorizes appropriations for administration for FY 1992 through 1997. Title III: National Study - Directs the Secretary to study, and to report to the President and the Congress on, the extent to which the provisions of this Act can reasonably replace various other Federal grants or assistance programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 263 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Troubled Defense Programs Accountability Act - Prohibits funds appropriated for a major defense procurement system from being released to the Secretary of the military department concerned until the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition finds, and the Comptroller of the Department of Defense concurs, that the system meets established requirements and criteria (in terms of cost, schedule, technical specifications, and testing). Authorizes the Comptroller to release funds for a system to the extent necessary to enable the system to meet such requirements and criteria. Requires the Secretary of each military department, at the beginning of each fiscal year, to establish a funding schedule (expressed as projected costs for meeting requirements and criteria) for each system. Directs each Secretary to maintain and update such schedules to reflect changes in requirements, criteria, and projected costs. Requires the Comptroller to review such schedules.
Bill· HRH.R. 312 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to explicitly prohibit State or local governments from taxing OASDI benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 311 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from State unemployment tax law coverage (providing for payments in lieu of unemployment fund contributions) any service performed in the employ of a tax-exempt private elementary or secondary school that is operated primarily for religious purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 307 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require that State and local taxes imposed on OASDI benefits be deposited in the appropriate OASDI trust fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 440 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Smoking and Health Advertising Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for sales promotion expenses relating to tobacco and tobacco products. Permits the deduction if the taxpayer's expenditures for advertising informing the public of the health effects of tobacco product use exceed five percent of the sales promotion expenses in question for a given taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 406 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction of up to $1,000 per year for amounts paid for the higher education of the taxpayer or a dependent.
Bill· HRH.R. 394 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.
Bill· HRH.R. 407 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit to any individual who maintains a household that for more than half of the year is the principal place of abode for at least one individual aged 65 or older who has been determined by a physician to have an impairment that makes self-care impossible and that has lasted or is expected to last at least six months. Limits the credit to an aggregate annual amount of $2,000 per return, permitting a credit of $1,000 per qualified elderly individual.
Bill· HRH.R. 413 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the low-income housing credit permanent.
Bill· HRH.R. 405 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals an income tax deduction for expenses incurred in commuting between their residence and their principal place of employment, including any amounts required for personal assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 368 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Affordable Housing and First Home Buyer Assistance Act of 1991 - Title I: First Home Ownership Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a personal deduction for specified contributions to a first home ownership account. Treats such account as an individual retirement account upon a first home purchase. Title II: Repeal of Taxation of Gain on Sale of Principal Residence - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the taxation of gain on the sale of a principal residence. Title III: Mortgage Bonds and Credit Certificates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1993 the issue period for qualified mortgage bonds.
Bill· HRH.R. 346 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to provide for the deductibility of State and local income and sales taxes to the extent such taxes exceed one percent of adjusted gross income.
Bill· HRH.R. 342 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for the qualified nursing educational expenses paid or incurred by a licensed practical or vocational nurse enrolled in a course of study leading to qualification as a registered nurse. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income.
Bill· HRH.R. 369 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 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 transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers.
Bill· HRH.R. 352 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of a first-time homebuyer the amount of any individual retirement plan distributions used within 30 days to purchase, construct, or reconstruct a principal residence. Reduces a residence's basis by the amount of such distribution for purposes of determining gain or loss upon disposition.
Bill· HRH.R. 336 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to returns of brokers to provide that specified tangible personal property (including works of art, rugs, antiques, metals, gems, stamps, coins, alcoholic beverages, and guns) shall not be included in reported brokered property. Provides that except for stocks, bonds, and other intangible personal property, broker reporting requirements shall apply only to transactions the gross proceeds of which are more than $10,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 353 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Congressional Pay For Performance Act - Provides that if the Congress has not passed all general appropriation bills before the beginning of a fiscal year, then the permanent appropriation for the compensation of Members of Congress shall not be effective for such fiscal year. Prohibits the House of Representatives or the Senate from considering the legislative branch appropriation bill for any fiscal year until other general appropriation bills for such fiscal year have been presented to the President.
Bill· HRH.R. 310 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to deduct charitable contributions made after December 31, 1990.
Bill· HRH.R. 306 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Repeals a provision of the Internal Revenue Code that subjects corporations to the accumulated earnings tax regardless of the number of shareholders.
Bill· HRH.R. 308 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, the gift tax, and the tax on generation-skipping transfers.
Bill· HRH.R. 321 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Title II: Miscellaneous Program Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts, devises, and bequests which enhance the Secretary's ability to provide services and benefits. Allows the payment of parents dependency and indemnity compensation less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than four percent of the maximum annual rate payable. Prohibits a readjustment in the rating schedule from causing a veteran's compensation amount to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. Makes the presumptive period (the period after service in a radiation-risk activity during which a disease must become manifest in order to be considered service-connected and, therefore, compensable as disability compensation) for leukemia 40 years (currently, 30). Creates a 40-year presumptive period for members of the reserves who were exposed to atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device during active duty or inactive duty for training and who contract specified diseases or illnesses within such period. States as an exception the disease of leukemia, which is given a 30-year manifestation period in such reserve members. Increases the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to a veteran owning a home to the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home. (Currently, the amount is the lesser of $40,000 or such amount.) Increases from one to two years the required time after discharge or release permitted to qualify for National Service Life Insurance (for service-disabled veterans). Title III: Agent Orange - Veterans Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1991 - Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent or more degree of disability within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) soft-tissue sarcoma; and (3) melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary to update such list continually. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effect. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma, lung cancer, and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organization to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the case of a positive association, whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when there is no such reasonable basis found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive association regulations if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Terminates such provisions ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) is obtained by the Department in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the National Institutes of Health Research and Grants Division (NIH) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of NIH to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens, as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with the NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Medical Follow-up Agency in the event of no agreement with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for the conduct of studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with the NAS before undertaking such studies and requires the NAS to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to veterans listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicide as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for psychological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 2000, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study.
Bill· HRH.R. 313 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Crane Tithe Tax Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the following taxes: (1) the corporate income tax; (2) the alternative minimum tax insofar as it applies to corporations; (3) the tax on the unrelated business income of tax-exempt organizations; (4) the tax on the accumulated earnings of certain corporations; (5) the tax applied to personal holding companies; (6) the alternative tax for certain mutual savings banks; (7) income taxes imposed on insurance companies, regulated investment companies, and real estate investment trusts; and (8) the tax on the income of foreign corporations connected with U.S. business. Revises the individual income tax to impose a ten percent tax on an individual's earned income that exceeds $10,000 (adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index). Includes as earned income: (1) wages, salaries, and other employee compensation; (2) net earnings from self-employment; and (3) dividends from a personal service corporation or other direct or indirect compensation for services. Exempts tips and amounts received as a pension or annuity. Declares tax amnesty with respect to income tax liability and associated penalties and interest for pre-1990 taxable years. Repeals all tax exclusions, tax deductions, and tax credits currently used to determine individual income tax liability. Repeals the estate tax, the gift tax, and the tax on certain generation-skipping transfers. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, within 90 days of enactment, to submit to a specified congressional committee a draft of conforming and technical Internal Revenue Code changes required to reflect the changes made by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 309 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude tips from gross income for income tax purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 295 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Petroleum Producers Burden Sharing Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil. Terminates such tax: (1) after the expiration of the first four calendar quarters beginning after the date of enactment of this section; or (2) after the expiration of the first six such calendar quarters, if the President determines that a continuing energy price crisis exists. Establishes the Low Income Energy Support Trust Fund to fund the grant program under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 and the weatherization program under the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976. Transfers to such Fund 33 percent of the taxes received from the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil.
Bill· HRH.R. 283 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Public Housing Rehabilitation Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the low-income housing credit permanent. Makes such housing credit available for rehabilitation of public housing.
Bill· HRH.R. 246 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Inflation Tax Relief Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss.
Bill· HRH.R. 248 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30 percent income tax deduction for the net capital gain of both corporate and noncorporate taxpayers.
Bill· HRH.R. 247 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Provides for the tax treatment of certain lump-sum benefit cancellation payments under the social security system of Saudi Arabia which are included in the gross income of a taxpayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 236 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any gain from the sale or exchange of eligible farmland that is subject to an irrevocable covenant binding all future owners to use the land as farmland.
Bill· HRH.R. 235 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Repeals certain provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to restore the ten-year averaging and capital gains treatment for lump sum distributions from qualified pension plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 200 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from broker reporting requirements property or services which involve any metal or coin other than any gold, silver, platinum, or palladium coin or bar which is the proper subject of a regulated futures contract. Provides that a person shall not be treated as a broker with respect to activities consisting of managing a farm on behalf of another person. Provides that except for stocks, bonds, and other intangible personal property, broker reporting requirements shall apply only to transactions the gross proceeds of which are more than $5,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 205 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove limitations on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans by active participants in employer-maintained plans. Restores the former deduction for qualified voluntary employee contributions to an individual retirement account.
Bill· HRH.R. 11 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Enterprise Zone Tax Incentives Act of 1991 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a demonstration program of providing incentives for the creation of tax enterprise zones in order to: (1) revitalize economically and physically distressed areas; (2) promote meaningful employment for zone residents; and (3) encourage individuals to reside in the zones in which they are employed. Title I: Designation and Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of tax enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during calendar years 1992 through 1995. Sets forth eligibility criteria for rural areas. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for such designation, including: (1) a population of not less than 4,000; (2) pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress; (3) a high unemployment rate; and (4) a required course of action designed to reduce the various burdens borne by employers or employees in the area. Provides that a course of action under private entities may not be federally funded and may include: (1) a reduction of tax rates or fees; (2) an increase in public services; (3) a reduction in government paperwork requirements; (4) business community commitments to provide jobs and job training; (5) special preference to minority contractors; (6) gifts of land for the operation of neighborhood businesses; (7) pooled health insurance; (8) loans by local financial institutions for business start-ups; and (9) special preference to low-income housing projects and private activity bonds. Allows an enterprise zone employment credit to small employers as a general business credit of ten percent of the qualified zone wages paid plus qualified zone employee health insurance costs. Allows such credit for the first five years of the employee's employment. Makes the rehabilitation credit available for buildings in the tax enterprise zone that are at least 30 years old. Allows a 60-month amortization period (in lieu of depreciation) for child care facilities. Allows the deferral of capital gain for ten years if the gain is reinvested in tax enterprise zone property. Limits the dollar amount of deferred gain. Declares that loss on any qualified zone corporate investment shall be treated as an ordinary loss. Sets forth limitations on the aggregate amounts of zone incentives to be allocated by the governmental official responsible for making such allocations in the tax enterprise zone. Allows for purposes of the low-income housing credit any parts of low-income rental buildings that are used for child care centers for children of zone residents to be included in the basis for such credit. Title II: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Tax Enterprise Zones - Requires enterprise zones to receive priority in the designation of foreign trade zones. Title III: Studies - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Comptroller General each to report to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance on the effectiveness of the incentives provided by this Act in achieving its purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 145 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Uranium Enrichment Reorganization Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish the United States Uranium Enrichment Corporation as a wholly-owned Government corporation to conduct uranium marketing and enrichment activities as a commercial, profitable, self-financing enterprise. Provides for a Board of Directors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) certain property transfers from the Department of Energy; and (2) the Corporation's capital structure, pricing policies, and user charges for decommissioning, decontamination, and remedial activities. Requires the Corporation to prepare an annual status report for the President and the Congress. Prescribes licensing and taxation guidelines for the Corporation. Sets guidelines for payments in lieu of taxes by the Corporation to States and local governments. Directs the Board to make recommendations to the President regarding the transfer of its functions and assets to private ownership. Declares that the Corporation's receipts, proceeds, and recoveries (including deposits in the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund) shall be available without fiscal year limitations and without further appropriations. Applies Federal environmental and occupational safety and health law to the Corporation as though it were privately owned. Establishes the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund to cover the Corporation's decommissioning and decontamination expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 23 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Enterprise Zone Jobs-Creation Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise 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 a 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 enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise 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 enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining 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. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise 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 enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Title V: Repeal of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987.
Bill· HRH.R. 146 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. Authorizes the President to rescind all or part of any budget authority if the President determines that such rescission: (1) would help balance the Federal budget, reduce the Federal budget deficit, or reduce the public debt; (2) will not impair any essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such a rescission by: (1) special message not later than 20 calendar days after enactment of appropriations legislation; or (2) special message accompanying the budget when such rescissions have not been proposed previously for that fiscal year. Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress, during a review period of 20 calendar days, enacts a rescission disapproval bill. Describes: (1) information to be included in the President's message; and (2) procedures to govern consideration of rescission disapproval legislation in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 78 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. Authorizes the President to rescind all or part of any budget authority if the President determines that such rescission: (1) would help balance the Federal budget, reduce the Federal budget deficit, or reduce the public debt; (2) will not impair any essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such a rescission by: (1) special message not later than 20 calendar days after enactment of appropriations legislation; or (2) special message accompanying the budget when such rescissions have not been proposed previously for that fiscal year. Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress, during a review period of 20 calendar days, enacts a rescission disapproval bill. Describes: (1) information to be included in the President's message; and (2) procedures to govern consideration of rescission disapproval legislation in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 28 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. Authorizes the President to rescind all or part of any budget authority if the President determines that such rescission: (1) would help balance the Federal budget, reduce the Federal budget deficit, or reduce the public debt; (2) will not impair any essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such a rescission by: (1) special message not later than 20 calendar days after enactment of appropriations legislation; or (2) special message accompanying the budget when such rescissions have not been proposed previously for that fiscal year. Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress, during a review period of 20 calendar days, enacts a rescission disapproval bill. Describes: (1) information to be included in the President's message; and (2) procedures to govern consideration of rescission disapproval legislation in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 168 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations in the following areas: (1) general authorization of appropriations; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance and economic development planning; and (4) special economic development and adjustment assistance to areas with high unemployment, economic dislocation, or long-term economic deterioration problems. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (ARDA) to authorize appropriations through FY 1994 for: (1) the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the leasing of office space for the Commission; (3) the Appalachian development highway system; and (4) general implementation of ARDA. Extends the termination date for ARDA until October 1, 1994.
Bill· HRH.R. 10 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Title I: National Development Investment - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed local government, Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth activities eligible for such development investment assistance, including: (1) construction and repair of public facilities; (2) revolving loan funds to promote small business; (3) feasibility studies to enhance the investment climate; and (4) development activities which prevent economic dislocation and promote employee ownership organizations. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate one percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job losses. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or for the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum of 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum of 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $2,000,000 in any fiscal year to any person, other than grants for employee ownership organizations. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local government. Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational and research organizations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine financing needs for the construction and repair of public facilities. Requires the Secretary to submit to each House of the Congress a detailed statement, including findings and recommendations, concerning such financing needs. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or investment strategy preparation. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Permits the Secretary to discharge responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to the Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wages. Requires the Secretary to maintain and make available for public inspection records of approved applications. Requires each recipient of a grant to maintain certain specified records. Allows the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to all records of such recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1994. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1994. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1998 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1991, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines, within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1994.
Bill· HRH.R. 26 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Money Laundering Enforcement Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Bank Conservation Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the Federal Credit Union Act to authorize the appointment of a conservator for a depository institution convicted of money laundering offenses (including insured Federal and State savings associations and State banks). Exempts from conservatorship any such institution whose ownership or control has changed after commission of the offense and whose new owner or controlling person was not affiliated with it at the time of the offense. Amends the Revised Statutes, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Credit Union Act to prescribe guidelines for the revocation of depository institutions' charters and forfeiture of franchises upon conviction for money laundering offenses (including the conviction of senior level management for such offenses). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to: (1) prescribe guidelines for the termination of the insured status of State depository institutions, including State chartered credit unions, convicted of money laundering; and (2) authorize the removal of any party from office or its suspension from participation in the affairs of the institution if the party is determined to have committed certain currency reporting violations. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to require specified regulatory agencies to include in their annual reports to the Congress the identification of depository institutions convicted of money laundering offenses and the agencies' enforcement activities. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Attorney General to notify the appropriate regulatory agency in writing if any financial institution or its personnel have been convicted of certain money laundering offenses. Amends Federal law regarding monetary transactions to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) impose civil money penalties upon a financial institution for negligent violations of this Act or for a pattern of negligent violations; and (2) order a depository institution to request that its customers submit cash transaction reports. Amends Federal law regarding money transactions to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) prescribe regulations requiring each depository institution to file identification reports regarding certain financial institution customers; and (2) make such reports available to State financial institution supervisory agencies for supervisory purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should: (1) establish uniform regulations and licensing requirements (meeting specified criteria) for non-depository institutions engaged in check cashing businesses; and (2) develop a model statute incorporating such uniform regulations. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the progress made by the States in enacting uniform legislation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should consider, in connection with such uniform legislation, whether fee limitations are appropriate with respect to money cashing or redemption activities. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for persons participating in an illegal money transmitting business. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate final regulations requiring insured depository institutions and businesses involved in funds transfers to maintain records of certain kinds of payment orders involving international transactions as will have a high degree of usefulness in criminal, tax, or regulatory investigations or proceedings. Mandates that such records be made available to the Secretary upon request. Prohibits a financial institution or its personnel from disclosing the existence of a Federal information targeting order except as prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to issue civil enforcement and prosecutorial guidelines for currency transactions. Amends the Bank Secrecy Act to require a person to certify to the relevant financial institution in writing under penalty of perjury the basis for requesting an exemption from cash transaction reporting requirements. Requires an annual update of such certification. Requires the Secretary to make currency transaction reports available to any State depository institution's supervisory agency. Requires the Secretary to establish an Advisory Group on Reports on Monetary Instruments Transactions to serve as a conduit between the Federal and private sectors regarding the status of currency transaction reporting activities. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to provide, at the Attorney General's or Secretary's request, information regarding the cash surplus reports of the Federal Reserve banks which may be relevant to investigations under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of a "Financial Crimes Enforcement Network" proposed to be established among Federal agencies and banking agencies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) collect and maintain information on amounts and denominations of currency confiscated in connection with drug seizures and drug-related money laundering operations, as well as the total dollar amount of each denomination of such notes and currency; (2) develop a plan to collect the same information from State and local agencies; (3) report to the Congress on such plan, together with biannual summaries of the information collected; and (4) report to the Congress on the need for additional information regarding how frequently $50 and $100 notes are used in drug trafficking and other illegal activities, and the possible deterrent effect the withdrawal of such notes would have on such activities. Directs such Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on the advantages and disadvantages of: (1) changing the physical format of U.S. currency for money laundering purposes; or (2) using a different color for U.S. currency in circulation outside the United States. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to provide that financial records transferred by a regulatory agency to the Secretary of the Treasury for possible criminal violations shall be used only for criminal investigative or prosecutive purposes relating to money laundering by the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to establish additional whistleblower protections for employees of depository institutions and Federal regulatory agencies who provide information about possible banking law violations. Subjects to certain cash reporting requirements any officer of either House of the Congress who provides check cashing or deposit services for Members of Congress. Amends Federal law relating to international monetary instrument transaction reporting requirements to prohibit: (1) failure to file the requisite reports; (2) filing material omissions or misstatements of facts in such reports; and (3) participation in structuring any importation or exportation of monetary instruments.
Bill· HRH.R. 154 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Transfers custody and control of Pershing Hall, a memorial in Paris, France, owned by the United States, to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer, develop, and improve Pershing Hall and its site, as appropriate. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the American Battle Monuments Commission, to dedicate a portion of the Hall to the memory of the commander-in-chief, men, and services of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. Requires the establishment and continuing supervision of the memorial to be carried out by the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into leases for the operation, development, and improvement of the Hall and its site. Outlines lease terms and conditions. Establishes the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund. Provides for the transfer of monies to the Fund for the construction of major projects. Abolishes the Pershing Hall Memorial Fund and transfers the corpus of the Memorial Fund to the Revolving Fund. Limits the amount that may be expended from the Fund in any fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 107 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of each military department concerned to accept for original enlistment in the Army or Air National Guard of six States chosen by the Secretary of Defense certain aliens not already admitted for permanent residence in the United States during a three-year test period if the total personnel strength of the Guard is less than 95 percent of its total authorized strength as of September 30, 1990. Requires such aliens, in addition to taking a military-service oath, to declare an intention to become citizens of the United States. Voids such an enlistment under certain conditions. Limits the number of aliens permitted to be so enlisted to 1,000 during any fiscal year. Authorizes the President to increase such number as appropriate. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to adjust to a temporary lawfully-admitted status any alien who: (1) is an enlisted member of the Army or Air National Guard; (2) is otherwise admissible as an immigrant; (3) has not been convicted of any felony or three or more misdemeanors in the United States; (4) has not assisted in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group; and (5) was in the United States as of the enactment of this Act and has resided continuously in the United States since such date. Requires any spouse or child of such alien to satisfy such requirements (except for the enlistment requirement) in order to have his or her status adjusted. Provides for the termination of the temporary lawfully-admitted status of such aliens under specified conditions. Authorizes an alien who completes at least six years of honorable service in the Guard to apply for a certificate of adjustment to permanent resident of the United States. Provides identical adjustment for the spouse and child of such alien if the alien so qualifies. Provides for the waiver of: (1) the six-year service requirement under certain conditions; and (2) numerical limitations and certain grounds for exclusion from permanent-status consideration under the Immigration and Nationality Act for aliens covered under this Act. Provides an expedited naturalization procedure for an alien who is granted lawful permanent residence under this Act and who reenlists in the Army or Air National Guard for an additional term of six years.
Bill· HRH.R. 63 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Merchant Marine and Defense Act of 1991 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth congressional findings regarding the maritime industries and national defense. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to develop the necessary maritime resources to meet U.S. national defense and economic security requirements. Title II: Operating Differential Subsidy Reform - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 relating to the operating-differential subsidy (ODS) to: (1) allow the Secretary of Transportation, in determining whether to approve an application or revise a contract, to consider the availability of funding; and (2) prohibit the Secretary, in making such determinations, from making a distinction between persons already receiving such aid and new applicants. Revises the definition of "essential service" to include any operation determined by the Secretary to be necessary for national defense or for competitive and economical operation of U.S.-flag vessels in foreign commerce. Requires, for ODS aid, that a vessel be a militarily useful dry cargo vessel less than 20 years old and U.S.-documented. Directs the Secretary, notwithstanding any other law, to allow any qualified U.S. operator to qualify any militarily useful vessels for an ODS if the operator applies within one year of enactment of this Act, meets the requirements for such aid, and meets other requirements. Defines "qualified operator" to mean a U.S. citizen who owned, during the two years ending on the date of enactment of this Act, oceangoing vessels documented in the United States. Ends the Secretary's authority to determine suitable ocean routes and lines to foreign ports. Ends the ODS eligibility requirement that vessels be operating in an essential service. Directs the Secretary to designate ocean services, routes, and lines to not be essential services for purposes of ODS. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a route after two years after enactment of this Act unless operation on that route under an ODS is essential for national security. Repeals provisions excluding certain vessels from eligibility for an ODS. Reduces the maximum period for ODS contracts from 20 to ten years. Modifies the formula for determining the amount of ODS payments. Eliminates ODS coverage for insurance, maintenance and repair, and subsistence of officers and crews. Shields contracts in effect on the date of enactment of this Act from the changes until specified events occur. Changes the definition of "collective bargaining costs." Requires wage subsidies to be paid semimonthly rather than monthly. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into or making payments on ODS contracts for a dry cargo or dry bulk vessel that is more than 25 years old or a tanker vessel that is more than 20 years old. (Current law prohibits ODS payments for vessels that are more than 25 years old.) Directs the Secretary, in awarding and revising ODS contracts, to ensure that disruptions to parties to existing contracts are minimized. Provides for a reduction of ODS payments for a particular voyage in proportion to the amount of revenue payable under cargo preference provisions, subject to exception. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out ODS provisions so as to provide incentives for improving the efficiency of operation of vessels for which an ODS is paid. Allows the Secretary to authorize a contractor receiving an ODS for operations of a line haul vessel to own or operate certain foreign flag vessels that act as feeder vessels for that line hall vessel. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts with U.S. citizens for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the citizen has a foreign vessel acquisition right issued by the Secretary and if other requirements are met. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the issuance of a foreign vessel acquisition right with respect to each oceangoing merchant vessel over a specified number of deadweight tons for which construction in the United States is started on or after enactment of this Act. Requires the program to provide for the assignment by the Secretary of such rights to any U.S. citizen. Requires amounts received as revenue under the program to be deposited in the Procure and Charter Shipyard Improvement Fund established under title XIV of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 for use under that title. Declares that these provisions shall not be construed to authorize any vessel built or acquired outside the United States to engage in the coastwise trade. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts for one year after enactment of this Act with any qualified operator for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the vessel meets certain requirements; and (2) on and after the date of enactment of this Act, to enter into ODS contracts for operation of any vessels eligible for such subsidies by reason of these provisions, the contracts to be effective after the vessels are delivered and documented under U.S. laws. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to modify the definition, for purposes of provisions relating to cargo preference, of the term "privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels" so as to allow certain foreign-built vessels to carry preference cargo, subject to limitation. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding cargo preference limitations, to declare a foreign-built vessel eligible for preference cargo, if the Secretary is authorized to enter into an ODS contract with respect to that vessel and if other conditions are met. Title III: Procure and Charter Program - Part A: Design and Construction of Vessels and Improvement of Shipyards - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a program under which amounts in the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund (Fund) must be used to: (1) fund contracts for the design in the United States of militarily useful merchant vessels; (2) fund contracts for the construction of such vessels in privately owned U.S. shipyards; and (3) provide assistance to such shipyards for improvements to equipment, systems, and techniques. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts for the: (1) design and construction of prototypes of militarily useful merchant vessels; and (2) construction of militarily useful merchant vessels in accordance with such designs and prototypes. Sets forth vessel requirements, contractor eligibility requirements, and contract restrictions. Directs the Secretary to require that, as part of the contract, any person awarded a contract improve facilities and management systems of the person and achieve improvements in productivity and cost reductions through serial construction. Authorizes the Secretary to provide vessel construction contractors under these provisions financial assistance in an amount equal to one-half of the costs of improvements in vessel construction equipment, systems, and techniques to be used in carrying out the contract. Prohibits the assistance unless the Secretary determines that the assistance will result in reduced total costs and increased productivity in carrying out construction under these provisions. Limits the amount of the assistance. Authorizes appropriations from the fund as necessary for constructing an average of 12 vessels in each of the FY 1989 through 2000. Part B: Vessel Charter and Sale - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the chartering and disposing of vessels constructed under part A of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with any eligible person for the charter by the person of such vessels. Sets forth charter contract terms. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a contract, to require: (1) a deposit to ensure the faithful performance of all requirements of the contracts, including indemnity against liens on the vessel; and (2) insurance at the expense of the person entering into the contract. Sets forth contracting procedures. Allows the Secretary to terminate a contract: (1) on a presidential proclamation that termination is required for national defense; and (2) during a national emergency declared by the President. Directs the Secretary, in chartering vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on a charterer. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to contract for the charter of any vessel constructed under part A of this title, for use by the Department of the Navy, at rates determined by the Secretary (but not less than the prevailing commercial rate) for not more than two years. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contract with any private person to subcharter any vessel constructed under part A, unless the operation of the vessel under that contract will adversely affect the commercial operation of a vessel documented under U.S. laws. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to sell or otherwise dispose of (including by transfer to the National Defense Reserve Fleet) a vessel constructed under this title if the vessel is not under contract and no reasonable contract offers have been received, and if other conditions are met. Mandates that the Secretary require as compensation for a vessel sold or disposed of an amount at least as much as the U.S. cost in constructing the vessel, less depreciation. Directs the Secretary, in disposing of vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on any person who acquires the vessel. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of a vessel to any person for purposes of scrapping the vessel. Part C: Procure and Charter Revolving Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund, to consist of amounts deposited in and transferred to the Fund under these provisions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) deposit in the Fund all proceeds of charters, sales, and disposals under part B of this title, all duties under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930, all proceeds of issuance of foreign vessel acquisition rights under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 as amended by this Act, and interest on such amounts; and (2) transfer to the Fund, for each of the FY 1990 through 2000, any difference between the deposited amounts and the amount authorized to be appropriated under part A of this title. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Secretary for vessel design and construction and shipyard assistance. Terminates the Fund, with the balance reverting to the general fund of the Treasury, upon a finding by the Secretary that amounts in the Fund plus anticipated receipts are insufficient for funding construction contracts. Mandates deposit in the general fund of the Treasury of any amounts received after termination of the Fund. Part D: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report to the Congress regarding matters under this title; and (2) issue regulations to carry out this title. Title IV: Simplification of Procedure for Long-Term Military Leases - Amends Federal law to exempt noncombatant oceangoing vessels from provisions relating to authorization required for certain long-term leases of vessels and aircraft by military departments. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to specified committees of the Congress describing each case in which the Department of the Navy is seeking, or considering seeking, to enter into a long-term charter of an oceangoing vessel under the provisions amended by this title. Title V: Vessel Prototype Design and Construction Program - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a program for the design and construction of dry and liquid cargo vessel prototypes and troop carrying vessel prototypes; (2) establish guidelines for such design and construction; and (3) conduct a series of competitions for the selection of designs for vessel prototypes. Sets forth design criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the production of vessel prototype designs. Directs the Secreary to encourage such cooperation between naval architecture firms and ship building firms as may facilitate the use of modern production techniques. Directs the Secretary to contract for the construction in private U.S. shipyards of one of each vessel prototype design. Sets forth criteria for selection of shipyards. Directs the Secretary to base contract awards, to the maximum extent practicable, on consideration (in addition to other considerations required by law) of maintaining the U.S. ship building mobilization base. Requires prototypes constructed under this title to be chartered or otherwise disposed of under the program established under part B of title III of this Act. Requires information obtained through the design and construction of prototypes to be made available to private shipyards and ship suppliers. Title VI: Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to exclude from the definition of "vessel," as used in provisions relating to Federal ship mortgage insurance: (1) any vessel used primarily for offshsore exploration or exploitation of petroleum; and (2) barges, tugs, towboats, and workboats. Title VII: Tax Incentives for Modernization of U.S. Shipyards - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and the Internal Revenue Code regarding tax incentives and relating to merchant marine capital construction funds to define "reconstruction" to include general repairs to a qualified vessel to the extent that their costs exceeds a specified amount. Adds references to shipyards to the same provisions of both Acts. (Current law provides the incentives only for certain vessels and related barges or containers.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add qualified vessels and qualified shipyards to the list of exceptions to the termination of the regular percentage, for purposes of determining the amount of the investment tax credit. Restores, for such vessels and shipyards, the depreciation schedule which was in effect on the day before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Title VIII: Tariff and Trade Reform for Vessel Construction and Operation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, when purchased or performed in a foreign country, an ad valorem duty on: (1) modifications and permanent additions to the hull, fittings, or superstructure of a vessel, including inspections required by the classifications societies, insurers, and governmental entities; and (2) vessel drydocking and all services necessary for drydocking. Excludes emergency repairs from imposition of such duty. Relieves the owner or operator of a vessel from liability for the duty if the owner or operator elects to spend, in a shipyard in the United States within five years, for equipment, repair parts or materials, or repairs, a cumulative amount at least equal to the duty. Makes an owner or operator who fails to so spend liable for the duty plus accrued interest. Requires amounts received as a duty to be deposited into the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund established by this Act. Title IX: Expansion of Cargo Reserved for U.S. Vessels - Amends cargo preference provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require that 100 percent of the agricultural and nonagricultural ocean-borne cargoes generated by the U.S. Government, including cargoes generated as a result of a foreign aid cash transfer program, be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, subject to exception. (Current law requires that 50 percent of nonagricultural and 25 percent of certain agricultural commodities be transported on U.S.-flag commercial vessels.) States that, in authorizing a vessel which is not U.S.-registered to transport any cargo which is foreign assistance subject to the provisions being amended, the Secretary of Transportation must require that 50 percent of the cargo be transported on U.S.-registered vessels and the remainder on vessels registered in the country receiving the assistance. Title X: Increasing Defense Readiness of United States Merchant Marine - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, before approving any assistance under such Act for the construction of a vessel intended for use in the coastwise trade, to submit the plans to the Secretary of Defense for review and approval. Directs the Secretary of Defense to either: (1) certify that the plans are suitable for construction of a vessel which is capable of economical and expeditious conversion to use during war or national defense emerency; or (2) request changes in the plans necessary to enable that conversion. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, subject to appropriations, to pay to a person constructing a vessel in the United States after enactment of this Act to be operated in the coastwise trade, before construction begins, the costs of: (1) constructing any national defense features; (2) maintaining the features for 15 years; (3) additional operating expenses because of the features during that period; and (4) lost revenue during that period because of reduced cargo space. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) rates paid by the Department of Defense for the carriage of ocean-borne cargoes should fully compensate the vessel owner and could be based on established commercial rates; and (2) contracts for such carriage should be awarded, compatible with sound business practice (including cost minimization), so as to enhance the strategic sealift capabilities of the U.S.-flag commercial merchant fleet. Prohibits the Department of Defense, subject to exception and after enactment of this Act, from entering into any contract for carriage of cargoes on a vessel which was: (1) not U.S.-built; or (2) documented in the United States after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a national maritime industries research and development program to carry out commercial water-borne and commercial intermodal transportation and strategic sealift-related research and development. Makes the Secretary responsible for administering the program and lists areas which must be included in the program. Directs the two Secretaries to jointly establish the Maritime Research and Development Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a research and development project under these provisions, to require that private industry pay a portion of the cost of the project. Limits the Federal share to 66 percent and the non-Federal share to a specified dollar amount for each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 2001. Title XI: Maritime Labor Reform - Repeals provisions of Federal law relating to merchant mariners' documents. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding any law, to issue regulations to: (1) allow performance of both deck and engine duties on vessels by qualified personnel; (2) establish the numbers and qualifications of the crew and the watch on vessels; (3) create and keep current licensed and unlicensed personnel ratings; and (4) govern the requirements and standards for documentation of licensed and unlicensed personnel of vessel crews. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress regarding methods for reducing allowable compensation for port and shipyard workers' injuries and disabilities under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to a level comparable to other industrial occupations. Title XII: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly submit an annual report to the Congress regarding unfair foreign trade practices that affect the U.S.-flag merchant marine and maritime industries. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to the Congress regarding specified current and projected maritime defense matters. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to include certain information in an annual report to the Congress required by specified provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936.
Bill· HRH.R. 21 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Sanctions Against Investment in, and Exports to, South Africa and Other Measures (Except Import Restrictions) to End Apartheid - Part A: Amendments to the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and Other Laws - Amends the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 to prohibit any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for: (1) investments in a business enterprise 90 percent owned and controlled by South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid; and (2) investments made by certain individuals during any period and to the extent that such investments are considered South African emigrant non-resident assets and subject to transfer or disposition restrictions. Authorizes a person to apply for, and the President to grant for good cause, a waiver of such prohibition for up to 180 days. Requires U.S. controlled South African entities that are subject to the investment prohibition and that employ more than 24 South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid to: (1) notify employees and employee organizations not less than 90 days prior to termination of the U.S. investment in such entity; and (2) enter into good faith negotiations with representative trade unions regarding the terms of such termination. Prohibits the exportation or reexportation to South Africa of any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation or reexportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition publications, donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, commercial sales of agricultural commodities and products, and goods and technology for use in the gathering or dissemination of information by news media organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to: (1) any goods that are the direct product of technology of U.S. origin under a written agreement entered into on or before April 20, 1988, and that are exported within one year of the enactment of this Act; (2) economic assistance or human rights programs for disadvantaged South Africans, South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans, or victims of apartheid in South Africa; and (3) contributions to charitable organizations engaged in social welfare, public health, religious, educational, or emergency relief activities in South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that: (1) prohibit certain exports to, imports from, and investments in South Africa; (2) set forth U.S. policy toward the recruitment and training of black South Africans; and (3) prohibit U.S. intercession with any foreign government regarding export activities of certain U.S. nationals in South Africa who are not implementing the Code of Conduct. Revises the definition of "loans" for purposes of such Act to prohibit short-term trade financing, sales on open account, and rescheduling of existing loans. Adds other definitions for purposes of such Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of South Africa (specifically including the authorities administering Namibia so long as Namibia is illegally occupied). Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity from engaging in any form of cooperation with the armed forces of South Africa. Prohibits funds made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended for any expense related to any prohibited cooperation. States that the President should not: (1) assign or detail any member of the U.S. armed forces to serve as a defense or military attache in South Africa; or (2) accredit any individual to serve as a defense or military attache at a South African diplomatic mission in the United States. Repeals provisions of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 concerning restrictions on intelligence agency cooperation with South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in the production of special nuclear materials in South Africa. States that South Africa's granting of independence to Namibia is a major policy goal of the United States. Includes such granting of independence as one of several actions South Africa must take to have U.S. sanctions terminated. Revises penalty provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of South Africa Sanctions who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State for matters pertaining to the implementation of sanctions against South Africa. Directs the Coordinator to place emphasis on activities related to strategically important trade in oil, coal, computers, specialized machinery and arms, and to financial credits. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in leading and coordinating the activities of other agencies in implementing and enforcing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and in monitoring other nations' economic relations with South Africa. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions to monitor and enforce such Act and on economic relations between South Africa and each of its trading partners. Establishes an Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on South Africa to coordinate and monitor the implementation of such Act. Revises provisions of such Act regarding the Code of Conduct and expanded participation in the South African economy. Requires Federal agencies to make efforts to assist businesses more than 90 percent (currently, 50 percent) owned by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to insure or participate in the extension of credit to businesses more than 90 percent owned (currently, majority owned) and controlled by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the use of a specified amount of funds authorized for economic development assistance for assistance to disadvantaged South Africans. Specifies that such assistance may include scholarships, the promotion of the participation of disadvantaged South Africans in trade unions and private enterprise, alternative education and community development programs, and training and other assistance (including legal aid) for South African journalists. Lists major trade union federations in South Africa and Namibia as examples of recipients of U.S. assistance to the labor movement. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for refugee education and assistance for South Africans and Namibians. Prohibits any U.S. person from providing transport to South Africa of a commercial quantity of crude oil or refined petroleum products. Includes in such prohibition transport on a vessel of U.S. registry or on a vessel owned by a U.S. person. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any mineral lease to any national of the United States which is controlled by any foreign person who purchases, acquires, owns, or holds any investment in South Africa or who exports crude oil or refined petroleum products to South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions under specified conditions. Part B: Policy Statements; Reports; Studies; and Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust investigation of the South African controlled international diamond cartel; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Commissioner of Customs to study the feasibility of identifying at the port of entry the national origin of diamonds entering the United States; and (3) ensure effective and rigorous enforcement of a prohibition on the importation into the United States of uncut South African diamonds by taking specified measures. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should close two of South Africa's consulates general, eliminate all honorary consuls of South Africa in the United States, and forbid expansion of South Africa's embassy staff; and (2) approval of temporary U.S. visas should be granted on a case-by-case basis after considering South Africa's record of allowing its citizens, including apartheid opponents, to travel to the United States. Requires the President to study and report to the Congress on measures to reduce South Africa's foreign exchange earnings from gold. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on South Africa's involvement in international terrorism. Title II: Sanctions Against South African Imports Into the United States - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except: (1) strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military or economic purposes and are not available from alternative reliable suppliers or through improved manufacturing processes, conservation, recycling, and economical substitution; and (2) publications. Specifies that such prohibition includes: (1) krugerrands or any gold coin minted in South Africa or offered for sale by the Government of South Africa; (2) uranium hexafluoride that has been manufactured from South African uranium or uranium oxide; and (3) fish or seafood which are products of South Africa. Exempts from such prohibition any imports from business enterprises in South Africa that are wholly-owned by persons economically or politically disadvantaged by apartheid. Requires the President to confer with other industrialized democracies in order to reach cooperative agreements to impose sanctions against South Africa to bring about the dismantling of apartheid. Requires the President to report to the Congress concerning such efforts. Requires (currently, encourages) the President to seek United Nations Security Council adoption of the same sanctions against South Africa as are imposed by the United States. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to impose penalties against foreign persons taking significant commercial advantage of U.S. sanctions against South Africa or comparable sanctions of other industrialized democracies. Includes as such a penalty the restriction of such a person from contracting with U.S. Government entities. Allows the President to waive such penalties for foreign persons of an industrialized democracy that is a party to a cooperative agreement to impose sanctions against South Africa. Requires the President to revoke such waiver if the industrialized democracy is not adequately enforcing the measures provided for under the agreement. Requires that information concerning the extent to which import restrictions are being enforced by other industrialized democracies be included in the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress. Sets forth provisions pertaining to committee referral in the House of Representatives of joint resolutions pertaining to import restrictions. Requires the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, to submit periodic reports to the Congress setting forth the average amounts of imports of coal or any strategic and critical material entering the United States from each member and observer country of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the program to reduce U.S. dependence on strategic minerals from South Africa. Requires the President to confer with the governments of the African "frontline" States on measures to prevent the circumvention of the import restrictions on South African products imposed under the authority of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Makes conforming amendments and sets forth the effective date of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 13 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit Federal expenditures from exceeding revenues during any fiscal year, except in time of war declared by the Congress or in a period of economic necessity declared by congressional joint resolution. States that it shall not be in order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider or adopt a concurrent resolution on the budget that does not meet this standard. Requires the President's budget to comply with the same standard. Directs the President to take action (by placing funds in reserve, by apportionment of funds, or otherwise) necessary to ensure such compliance, notwithstanding obligational authority or appropriations made within the executive branch.
Bill· HRH.R. 152 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reverse the checkoff procedure applied with respect to income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, automatically paying into the Fund $1 for each taxpayer whose income tax liability is $1 or more, unless the taxpayer indicates opposition to the transfer.
Bill· HRH.R. 43 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Establishes the Commission on National Fiscal Priorities to report to the President and the Congress within six months of appointment on: (1) the functions that the national Government is required by the Constitution to perform, such as defense, highways, and international affairs; (2) those functions which have become so firmly established in national appropriations that they cannot be reasonably expected to end, such as welfare, harbors, and national parks; and (3) those other functions of government which the Constitution does not require the national government to provide, such as sewers, city streets, railroads, community development, and local mass transit. Requires the Commission to report within one year of its appointment on recommendations to abolish Federal programs in order to balance the budget consistent with constitutional requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
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