National Defense Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991

Summary

National Defense Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 - Title I: Department of Energy National Security Programs - Part A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1991 for operating expenses incurred and for plant and capital equipment necessary in carrying out national security programs in the following areas: (1) weapons activities; (2) defense nuclear materials production; (3) environmental restoration and management of defense waste and transportation; (4) verification and control technology; (5) nuclear materials safeguards and security technology development program; (6) security investigations; (7) new production reactors; (8) naval reactors development; (9) safeguards and security construction; (10) site management construction; and (11) capital equipment not related to construction. Earmarks specified DOE operating expense funds for payment of the second installment of a settlement entered into by DOE in a specified court suit. Prohibits the reprogramming of funds appropriated to DOE for FY 1991 for atomic energy defense activities if such reprogramming would reduce the amount made available to DOE for the defense inertial confinement fusion program for FY 1991. Limits the manner in which funds authorized for special isotope separation may be used to program phaseout only. Part B: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 105 percent of the program authorization or $10,000,000 more than the amount authorized, whichever is the lesser; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress, unless the Secretary of Energy transmits to the appropriate committees a full and complete statement of the action proposed and 30 days have elapsed since such statement was submitted. Prohibits the total funds obligated pursuant to this title from exceeding the total amount authorized to be appropriated by this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to carry out any general plant project only if the maximum estimated cost of the project does not exceed $1,200,000. Requires reports to specified committees by the Secretary when the costs exceed such amount. Sets forth procedures for the approval of projects which exceed by more than 25 percent their estimated cost or authorized amount. Exempts from such procedures any projects which have an estimated cost of less than $5,000,000. Allows for the transfer of funds from specified projects to other Government agencies for the performance of work for which the funds were appropriated. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Secretary of Energy specified DOD R&D funds for the inertial confinement fusion program. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to perform advance planning and construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for such services does not exceed $2,000,000. Directs the Secretary to notify specified congressional committees whenever the estimated cost of such planning and design exceeds $300,000. Requires specific authorization by law whenever such estimated costs exceed $2,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to perform emergency construction, planning, and design in order to meet the needs of national defense or to protect property or human life. Makes funds appropriated for management and support activities and for general plant projects under this title available for all national security programs of DOE. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit a report on the remanufacture of nuclear stockpile weapons as directed under a prior Senate report. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations authorizing the Government-owned and contractor-operated laboratories that are funded by DOE national security programs to engage in independent laboratory-directed research and development programs. Provides funding. Part C: Environment, Safety, and Management - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 to extend through FY 1992 (currently, 1990) the authority of the Secretary to allow DOE contractors and subcontractors carrying out certain activities at the Hanford Reservation, Washington (a DOE center for national security programs) to loan personnel and facilities to community development organizations near the Reservation. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense committees on a quarterly basis during FY 1991 and 1992 reports on DOE compliance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 concerning the environmental impact of proposed DOE actions. Prohibits the Secretary from transferring to any other Federal department or agency his authority with respect to site management, control, or oversight of environmental remediation and restoration activities at any DOE facility. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse the Environmental Protection Agency for oversight expenses borne by such agency with regard to environmental response actions at DOD facilities conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Title II: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for the establishment and operation of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title III: Civil Defense - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 to carry out the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950. Title IV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures and contracts and commitments as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal, earmarking specified administrative expenses. Authorizes funds to be made available for the purchase of passenger motor vehicles used to transport personnel across the Canal. Authorizes funds to be obligated to permit the payment of pay increases to officers and employees of the Commission to the extent authorized by administrative action. Revises the compensation level for certain Board members of the Commission, as well as certain expenses to be paid for the Deputy Administrator and Chief Engineers of such Commission. Provides retirement annuity eligibility for certain persons who were employed by the Commission between September 30, 1979, and January 1, 2000. Amends the Panama Canal Commission Compensation Fund Act of 1988 to provide that payments made in the form of workers' compensation to Commission employees shall be made directly from the Panama Canal Commission Compensation Fund. (Currently, amounts from such Fund are transferred to the Employee Compensation Fund for such payments.) Provides for discontinuance of the Commission Compensation Fund upon a finding by the Secretary of Labor that no further liability exists for workers compensation benefits for Commission employees.

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4 official files

• Placed on Calendar Senate (text)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN

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• Engrossed in Senate (text)

  Engrossed in Senate · EN

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 4 August 1990

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 25 July 1990

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