United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
CO2 Offsets Policy Enabling Act of 1990 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit new major sources of carbon dioxide from operating without a permit issued under this Act. Requires new stationary sources to: (1) obtain certified carbon dioxide credits; (2) demonstrate possession of certified credits equal to one year's expected carbon dioxide emissions to the permitting authority before commencing operation; and (3) deposit annually with the permitting authority sufficient credits to compensate for the year's carbon dioxide emissions. Provides that the receipt by the permitting authority of carbon dioxide offset credits shall be a condition of any permit. Directs new sources that use biomass as a fuel to obtain credits sufficient to offset only the fossil fuel used in production of the biomass. Requires new sources that use trees as fuel to obtain credits for all carbon dioxide emissions. Directs new major sources emitting excess carbon dioxide to obtain credits as soon as practicable and to pay a penalty of $250 per ton of excess carbon dioxide. Adjusts such penalty annually according to percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index. Authorizes a permitting authority to certify carbon dioxide reductions as offset credits if the person providing the reduction or purchasing the credit is in compliance with regulations under this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish regulations concerning the certification of stationary source carbon dioxide reductions. Requires the Administrator to promulgate rules establishing carbon dioxide fixation rates. Directs the Administrator to promulgate rules concerning the certification of: (1) carbon dioxide credits from fleet vehicle fuel efficiency improvements beyond the applicable Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency requirement; (2) carbon dioxide credits from appliance efficiency improvements beyond the minimum required under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments; (3) carbon dioxide credits for energy conservation investments; (4) carbon dioxide equivalent credits from the capture and use of coal bed methane; (5) carbon dioxide credits created by construction of cogeneration facilities; and (6) carbon dioxide equivalent credit for the capture and destruction of chlorofluorocarbons. Requires the Administrator to establish regulations identifying the carbon dioxide credits to be granted by fuel switches to less carbon intensive fuels for mobile sources. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for expedited certification of carbon dioxide credits. Requires the Administrator to establish a baseline for sources subject to certification, to be set according to actual performances of such sources during 1990. Authorizes reductions in air pollutants that contribute to global warming to be certified as carbon dioxide offset credits if such reductions meet regulation criteria, except that the amounts of such credits may be reduced or increased based on radiative differences and atmospheric lifetime to reflect the global warming potential of such air pollutants. Requires the Administrator to establish the minimum elements of a permit program to be administered by any air pollution control agency. Requires State Governors to submit permit programs to the Administrator for approval. Directs the Administrator to enforce programs for States failing to make such submission. Requires permits to set forth inspection, entry, monitoring, compliance certification, and reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to create a National Carbon Dioxide Offset Bank to ensure adequate supplies of carbon dioxide offsets and to create procedures for the tracking and retirement of used credits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2026
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow home medical equipment suppliers who agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for standard home medical equipment to charge Medicare beneficiaries who request upgraded equipment an additional amount if the supplier first offers the standard item to the patient and provides the patient with an itemized list of all charges, including the portion to be paid by Medicare. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2026
Radon Awareness and Disclosure Act - Title I: Three-Year Extension of Indoor Radon Abatement Provisions of Toxic Substances Control Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; (2) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings; (3) grants to States for radon programs; and (4) regional radon training centers. Title II: Radon Testing Provisions - Directs Federal agencies and Government-controlled corporations that provide federally related mortgages for house purchases to require, before such mortgages are received, that such houses be tested for radon and that the results of such tests be made available to potential purchasers. Requires houses owned by Federal agencies or Government-controlled corporations to be tested for radon before sold and provides that test results shall be made available to potential purchasers. Directs the EPA Administrator to establish a program that requires: (1) products offered for sale, or devices used in connection with public services, for radon measurement to meet minimum performance criteria; and (2) operators of devices, or persons employing techniques, used in connection with public services for radon measurement to meet a minimum level of proficiency. Requires the Administrator to establish user fees for manufacturers of such products or devices and for persons who operate such devices or employ such techniques. Waives or reduces such fees for persons who agree to test for radon in public and nonprofit child care facilities, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, or other care facilities. Provides for the deposit of such fees into a Radon Service Account. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to: (1) jointly evaluate efforts to promote radon testing and ways to increase radon testing during real estate transactions; and (2) report to the Congress on alternative strategies for promoting such testing. Requires the Administrator to give grant preferences under the Toxic Substances Control Act to States which make efforts to adopt requirements for radon testing in residential real estate transactions. Title III: Radon in Schools - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring local educational agencies to: (1) test each school building under the authority of such agencies; and (2) test, by September 30, 1993, school buildings in areas having a higher than average risk of radon exposure. Makes the results of such tests available to the public. Requires radon testing to be carried out by individuals approved by the Administrator pursuant to proficiency programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Establishes within EPA a Radon Testing and Mitigation Assistance Program to provide assistance for testing and mitigation devices and methods. Requires State Governors to establish priority lists of assistance applicants, based on the nature and magnitude of potential exposure to radon. Sets forth criteria to be considered by the Administrator in ranking such applications. Authorizes the provision of grants of up to 50 percent of the cost of a testing program and loans for up to 100 percent of the cost of a mitigation program. Prescribes civil penalties for failures to comply with testing in school buildings. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen complaints. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: President's Commission on Radon Awareness - Establishes the President's Commission on Radon Awareness to: (1) examine public radon awareness programs; (2) act as an administrative and coordinating body for the donation of resources to implement programs and strategies to raise awareness of the health threats of radon; (3) encourage media outlets to provide information to increase radon awareness; and (4) assist in the update of such programs and strategies. Title V: Radon in the Workplace - Directs the Administrator to set a standard for the level of exposure to radon in the workplace that is associated with no greater health risk than the risk indicated by the EPA's action level for radon developed under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Three Affiliated Tribes and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Act - Declares that: (1) the Three Affiliated Tribes (TAT) (the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Tribes that reside on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation) are entitled to additional financial compensation from amounts deposited to a TAT Recovery Fund for the taking of reservation lands for the site of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir; and (2) the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) (members of the Great Sioux Nation that reside on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation) is entitled to additional financial compensation from amounts deposited to a SRST Economic Recovery Fund for the taking of reservation lands for the site for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir. Establishes such Funds. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into each Fund 25 percent of the receipts from deposits to the Treasury for the preceding fiscal year from the integrated programs of the Eastern Division of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Project administered by the Western Area Power Administration, subject to certain limitations. Authorizes appropriations to each Fund. Makes available only the interest on the moneys in each Fund for use by the Secretary of the Interior in making payments to the SRST for use for educational, social welfare, economic development, and other programs. Specifies that: (1) no payments pursuant to this Act shall result in the reduction or denial of any Federal services or programs to which the TAT or SRST, or any of their members, are otherwise entitled to because of their status as a federally recognized Indian tribe or member pursuant to Federal law; (2) no such payments shall be subject to Federal or State income tax, or affect power rates; and (3) no part of any moneys in either Fund shall be distributed to any TAT or SRST member on a per capita basis. Authorizes the Secretary to develop irrigation within the boundaries of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, subject to a finding by the Secretary of irrigability of the lands to receive water. Declares certain lands in North Dakota to be held in trust by the United States for the TAT as part of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Retains for the United States a flowage and sloughing easement over a specified portion of such lands for flood control and related Garrison Dam and Reservoir project purposes. Requires the Secretary of the Army to: (1) sell certain lands and minerals underlying such lands, subject to the right of the United States to continuously or intermittently inundate such lands with water as necessary for the operation of dam and reservoir projects; and (2) give the right of first refusal to any applicant with respect to any land owned by such person immediately prior to its acquisition by the United States. Requires that any such lands sold be conveyed subject to any lease in effect with respect to such lands at the time of such conveyance. Declares certain lands to be held in trust by the United States for the SRST as part of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Transfers: (1) certain nontribal lands to those individuals from whom they were taken, or their assignees; and (2) certain lands acquired from the State of North Dakota to the State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Alaska Land Status Technical Corrections Act of 1990 - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to: (1) modify the Fort Davis land allotment; and (2) subject such land to valid existing rights and an easement for the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to authorize an allotment applicant, who had a valid application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and whose application remains pending as of the date of the enactment of this Act, to amend the land description to describe land other than that the applicant originally intended to claim if: (1) the applicant filed an allotment application which described land selected by, tentatively approved to, or patented to the State of Alaska; (2) the amended land description describes land selected by, tentatively approved to, or patented to Alaska of approximately equal acreage to substitute for the land originally described in the application; and (3) the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources for Alaska, acting under the authority of State law, has agreed to reconvey or relinquish the land described in the amended application to the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) accept conveyance or relinquishment of the land described in the amended application from Alaska as an allotment for the benefit of the allotment application; (2) upon such acceptance, to cause the allotment to be surveyed (if it has not already been surveyed) and issue a trust certificate; and (3) adjust his computation of the acreage charged against Alaska's land entitlement. Ratifies certain conveyances to the Montana Creek and Caswell Native Associations and declares that such Associations have received their full entitlement of lands pursuant to ANCSA. Withdraws specified lands, for a period of one year, for selection by the Elim Native Corporation. Authorizes such Corporation to select such lands in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under ANCSA. Bars selections from lands within the Iditarod National Historic Trail corridor. Requires the Secretary to receive and adjudicate such selections as though they were filed in a timely manner and to convey such lands to such Corporation. Specifies that a real property interest distributed by a Native Corporation to a shareholder of such corporation pursuant to a program to provide homesites to its shareholders shall be deemed conveyed and received under ANCSA, provided that certain conditions are met, including that alienability of the Corporation's Settlement Common Stock has not yet been terminated under provisions of such Act. Directs the Secretary to execute such instruments as necessary to release the condition on specified lands (including Beaver Airport) that such lands revert to the United States if such lands are not developed, or cease to be used, for airport purposes. Modifies the boundary of the Chugach National Forest, Alaska. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to convey specified land in Alaska to the Rabbit Creek Lions Club. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the University of Alaska all U.S. interests in the lands of the University of Alaska's Agricultural Experiment Station and Fur Farm Experiment Station.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Public Recreation Area Recycling Incentives and Education Act - Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to establish a comprehensive recycling program for public recreation areas operated by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. Requires the Secretaries to establish certain defined criteria under which each Service may exclude portions of public recreation areas from the recycling program. Permits each Service to use any revenues received from recycling programs for: (1) resource management, research, and interpretation; and (2) other public purposes relating to the enhancement of the public recreation areas at which the revenues were realized. Requires the Secretaries to study the effectiveness of the respective recycling programs established under this Act. Requires the Secretaries to direct each manager of a public recreation area conducting a recycling program to educate visitors to the public recreation area about: (1) the recycling program for such area; and (2) the benefits to the public recreation area and the local community of such program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2021
Declares that a named individual shall be considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act if he applies for permanent residence status within a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Oil Consumer Justice Act of 1990 - Establishes in the Department of Justice the Oil Price-Gouging Victims Fund consisting of damages awarded to the United States under the Clayton Act for price fixing relating to crude or refined oil during the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq. Requires the Attorney General to annually distribute all the monies in the Fund to States for community-based programs, including police and fire departments and providers of emergency services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to facilitate rational, informed, and timely decisions by the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. Requires the budget law to fit on a single page, which sets forth specific budget ceilings in major functional categories. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit baseline budgeting. Requires the budget to include comparisons of current fiscal year and proposed subsequent fiscal year spending. Title III: Enforcement Mechanisms - Subtitle A: Super majority Required to Break Budget Law - Requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of any spending bill as soon as practicable after its introduction. Limits such estimates to those bills likely to result in costs of more than $10,000,000. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to limit the President's rescission authority to spending that is above the limits of the budget law. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." Requires fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except social security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. Requires Executive agencies to adjust benefit levels to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Prohibits the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive such prohibition. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. Restricts legislation providing funding to the Committees on Appropriations. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Timetable - Revises the timetable for the congressional budget process. Title VII: Conforming Amendments - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VIII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Title IX: Effective Date - Declares the effective date of this Act to be January 1, 1991, applicable to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary Act - Declares that the waters of the Central Coast in California meet the standards set forth in specified provisions of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and designates them as a national marine sanctuary. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare for such sanctuary: (1) a draft environmental impact statement; and (2) a draft management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that a foreign corporation be treated as owning (or as having incurred) a pro rata share of the assets and liabilities of a partnership in which it is a partner for purposes of allocating interest deductions (thus barring such deductions on the basis of gross income).
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Title I: General Provisions - Coastal Defense Initiative of 1990 - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions. Title II: Coastal Water Quality - Amends the Clean Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit to the Congress a five-year schedule for developing and revising criteria for pollutants which pose the greatest risk to coastal waters. Requires the Administrator to publish biological and sediment criteria for assessing coastal water quality to complement the pollutant-specific criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide technical and scientific assistance to the Administrator with regard to the development of sediment criteria. Directs coastal States, whenever they review water quality standards, to adopt standards for pollutants for which criteria have been issued. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for States that fail to do so. Directs coastal States to develop coastal water quality protection programs. Requires such programs to: (1) identify coastal waters for which standards or designated uses are not expected to be achieved without additional control measures or waters threatened by foreseeable increases in pollutant loadings; (2) implement pollution control measures for such waters; (3) identify coastal waters requiring additional intensive efforts and implement remedial programs for such waters; (4) establish a system to assure that permits and other activities are consistent with pollution control measures; and (5) provide for public participation and improve coordination among State and local officials responsible for land use programs and permitting, water quality planning and permitting, habitat protection, and living resource management. Sets forth program approval procedures. Prohibits specified Federal assistance with respect to coastal waters to States that fail to submit approved water quality protection programs. Requires the Administrator to issue orders to, or commence civil actions against, States that fail to implement coastal water quality protection programs. Authorizes citizen suits against the United States for failures to comply with coastal water quality protection requirements. Directs coastal States to designate outstanding coastal resource waters with particular ecological, recreational, or aesthetic values or biological significance, taking into account fisheries and shellfish resources, habitat, and recreational uses. Requires such States to ensure that the coastal water quality and designated uses of such waters is protected, maintained, and enhanced. Prohibits the issuance or renewal of permits for discharges into estuaries nominated for the National Estuary Program, except in compliance with specified guidelines. Directs the Administrator to review and revise guidelines to prevent the degradation of coastal water quality and to reflect changes made by this Act. Authorizes State Governors to request the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enter into a cooperative agreement to permit a State or political subdivision to enforce requirements for marine sanitation devices. Requires such agreements to authorize States or political subdivisions to assess and retain required penalties. Directs the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Administrator to notify the fish and game and water pollution control authorities of each coastal State of the funds available under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to finance shoreside pumpout stations for marine sanitation devices in conjunction with approved Federal aid projects. Requires the EPA and the Coast Guard to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the number of operational pumpout facilities in each State; (2) the number of facilities needed to handle such devices in each State; and (3) the type of marinas and ports where such facilities should be located. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify pollution control measures for controlling the introduction of pollutants into coastal waters from nonpoint sources; (2) develop techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of such measures; and (3) make available to State and local authorities technical guidance for implementing and monitoring such measures. Requires St. Johns River Estuary, Florida, and Morro Bay, California, to be given priority consideration for inclusion in the National Estuary Program. Requires management conferences under the National Estuary Program to be convened for at least ten years (currently, up to five years). Authorizes the Administrator to extend a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur in the extension and the extension is necessary to meet requirements. Revises approval and implementation procedures for conservation and management plans under the Program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the implementation of such plans. Extends the authorization of appropriations for Program activities. Requires the Administrator to establish an office in the vicinity of Long Island Sound to carry out the Long Island Sound conservation and management plan. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for the implementation of conservation and management plans for Puget Sound, Washington, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay program through FY 1992. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the feasibility of designating an alternative site to the mud dump site at a distance at least 20 miles from the shoreline. Requires the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator to submit to the Congress a plan for the long-term management of dredged material from the New York/New Jersey Harbor region. Directs the Secretary to implement a demonstration project for disposing up to ten percent annually of material dredged from such region in an environmentally sound manner other than ocean disposal. Permits only dredged material that meets criteria of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to be dumped at the mud dump site. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals a provision of the Water Resources Development Act concerning alternatives to the mud dump for disposal of dredged materials. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations requiring interim measures to control floatables in combined sewer overflow discharges into coastal waters. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct demonstration projects for: (1) the control of nonpoint sources of pollution entering coastal waters from Navesink and Shrewsbury River Basin, New Jersey; and (2) the elimination of contamination of the waters in the vicinity of Woodlawn Beach, Hamburg, New York, from nonpoint sources of pollution from surface runoff and septic system contamination entering Rush and Blasdell Creeks. Requires the non-Federal share of such projects to be 50 percent of the total cost. Directs the Administrator to implement four model demonstration programs for coastal waters to evaluate innovative nonpoint source pollution control measures through systems for allocating and exchanging discharge credits and pollution offsets between point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Applies such program only to conventional pollutants, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Sets forth program requirements. Modifies the New York Harbor collection and removal of drift projects to: (1) require, after 1990, material collected by the Secretary to be disposed of by alternative methods (other than burning); and (2) prohibit, after 1993, the burning of wood collected in carrying out the project on ocean waters. Provides that, effective January 1, 1991, and until December 31, 1993, at least half of the wood collected under the project shall be disposed by alternative methods of disposal. Requires the Administrator to continue to issue permits for the disposal of wood by burning on ocean waters until December 31, 1993, and to designate an interim site for such disposal. Ends such permitting when an alternative method of disposal is determined to be acceptable. Title III: Coastal Management - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require State coastal management agencies to submit Aquatic Resources Protection Programs to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere for approval. Declares that the purpose of such programs shall be to develop and implement measures for managing land uses which contribute to the pollution or degradation of coastal waters. Sets forth required contents of such programs and approval procedures. Makes States that fail to submit programs ineligible for specified funds under this Act. Requires the Under Secretary to withdraw specified percentages of grants, based on the number of years of noncompliance, from such States. Provides for: (1) technical assistance to States and local governments for implementing such programs; and (2) grants (on a matching basis) to coastal States for such programs. Requires the Under Secretary and the Administrator to review the inland coastal zone boundary of each State program to evaluate whether such boundary extends inland to the extent necessary to control land and water uses having a significant impact on State coastal waters. Directs the Under Secretary to recommend appropriate boundary modifications to the State if such modifications are necessary to more effectively manage land and water uses to protect coastal waters. Requires State agencies responsible for coastal zone management to nominate representatives to serve on management conferences convened under the National Estuary Program for waters within the jurisdiction of such States. Title IV: Coastal Water Quality Monitoring Program - Establishes the National Coastal Water Quality Monitoring Task Force to develop and implement a national strategy for conducting coastal water quality monitoring programs. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for such programs. Directs the Task Force to establish a Regional Coastal Water Quality Monitoring Team for each coastal region. Requires such teams to designate high priority coastal waters and develop monitoring programs for such waters. Sets forth requirements for coastal water quaity monitoring programs. Sets forth submission and approval procedures for such programs. Authorizes the Administrator to develop programs for regions without approved programs. Prohibits the Task Force from approving any program unless participating States provide at least 25 percent of the cost of implementing the program. Directs teams to compile information on the quantity, type, and location of contaminated sediments in coastal waters and the degree to which such sediments may pose risks to human health and the environment. Requires the Administrator, the Under Secretary, and State Governors to ensure compliance with such programs. Deems requirements of approved programs to be requirements of title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and requires such programs to be submitted for approval as part of a coastal zone management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on: (1) combined sewer overflows from which discharges into U.S. waters occur; and (2) the scope and severity of contaminated sediments in U.S. coastal waters. Title V: Compliance and Enforcement - Requires the Administrator to provide to Federal agencies a list of persons introducing pollutants into coastal waters who have been found to be in significant noncompliance with: (1) discharge permits issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act; or (2) requirements for specified management programs or conservation and management plans under such Act. Provides for the annual revision of such list. Prohibits Federal agencies from entering into procurement contracts with such persons if such contracts are to be performed at a facility which gave rise to such finding and is owned, leased, or operated by such persons. Waives such prohibition if the President determines that an exemption will be in the paramount interest of the United States. Prohibits Federal agencies from undertaking any development project or awarding any grant that may adversely affect coastal water quality in any coastal State that has demonstrated a substantial and willful failure to adopt and maintain coastal water quality standards and to protect designated uses for such waters. Requires penalties assessed against a discharger under the Clean Water Act to be in an amount adequate to eliminate economic benefits or savings that may have accrued to such person as a result of the violation. Makes a conforming amendment to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Requires States having coastal waters that do not meet applicable water quality standards or protect and maintain designated uses to post and maintain signs at each place of public access to such waters indicating the health and environmental effects that may occur as a result of the failure to meet such standards. Deems violations of this Act to be violations of the Clean Water Act. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the Administrator to deny the issuance of permits for the dumping of material which does not comply with specified criteria relating to the effects of ocean dumping on the marine environment. Increases civil penalties for ocean dumping violations. Authorizes payments of up to $10,000 to any person furnishing information leading to a finding of liability, civil judgment, or criminal conviction under such Act. Title VI: Funding - Establishes the Coastal Defense Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator and the Under Secretary to make grants from the Fund to coastal States that: (1) establish a coastal protection fund into which such grants will be deposited; (2) agree to make grants and other expenditures from such fund; and (3) agree to implement periodic reporting and accounting procedures. Outlines specific criteria to be considered by the Administrator and the Under Secretary in determining grant amounts. Allocates Fund moneys. Requires the Administrator or the Under Secretary to enter into agreements with States that describe how grants will be used and assist in achieving the objectives of this Act. Title VII: Great Lakes Water Quality Improvement - Great Lakes Water Quality Improvement Act of 1990 - Amends the Clean Water Act to extend from five to seven years the period for conducting study and demonstration projects on the removal of toxic pollutants from the Great Lakes. Includes Duluth Superior Harbor, Minnesota and Wisconsin, in the list of locations to be given priority consideration for such projects. Directs the Administrator to develop: (1) guidance for numerical limits on pollutant concentrations in the Great Lakes; and (2) guidance for the use by States and local governments in implementing pollution prevention and antidegradation procedures for pollutants. Requires the Great Lakes States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) to adopt water quality standards which are consistent with such guidance. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards for Great Lakes States which fail to adopt such standards. Requires the Administrator to publish biological criteria for assessing Great Lakes water quality. Directs each Great Lakes State to submit remedial action plans to the International Joint Commission and the Director of the Great Lakes Program Office. Sets forth deadlines for the completion of specified schedules pursuant to the Great Lakes Agreement for areas of special concern. Requires the Program Office to provide technical assistance to Great Lakes States for developing such plans. Sets forth procedures for the extension of deadlines. Provides for revisions of deficient plans. Requires remedial actions to be included in such States' water quality plans. Directs the Administrator to develop a lakewide management plan for each of the Great Lakes. Requires the Administrator to submit the plan for Lake Michigan to the Commission for review. Provides for revisions of such plans, as necessary. Requires the Administrator to establish a program for making grants to Great Lakes States for the implementation of the Great Lakes Agreement and this Act. Directs the Administrator to develop consistent methods of reporting water quality data to the Commission. Authorizes and allocates appropriations. Designates a specified laboratory and research facility in Duluth, Minnesota, as the John A. Blatnik National Fresh Water Quality Research Laboratory. Title VIII: Extension of Federal Water Pollution Control Program - Amends the Clean Water Act to extend through FY 1992 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) specified research, investigations, training, and information; (2) grants to States for pollution control programs; (3) nonpoint source pollution control in rural areas; (4) interagency agreements to maintain water quality; (5) the clean lakes program; and (6) nonpoint source pollution management programs. Extends the general authorization for such Act through FY 1992. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated for the State water pollution control revolving fund program for FY 1992. Requires the Administrator to conduct a project to demonstrate the use of constructed wetlands to improve the quality of effluent discharged from publicly owned treatment works operated by the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, into Mud Creek or its tributaries. Sets forth non-Federal responsibilities with respect to such project. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Housing Opportunity through Management/Employee Cooperation Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the treatment of welfare benefit funds to add rules governing transfers of certain excess assets from defined benefit pension plans to qualified housing assistance plans established and maintained under collective bargaining agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Employee Retirement Income Security Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require each multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) to file with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) an annual registration statement beginning in 1991. Requires that copies of such statements be transmitted to the Insurance Commissioners of States in which the MEWA currently conducts, or intends to conduct, business. Makes specified persons responsible for such filing. Repeals the limited scope audit exemption for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1992. Requires under conditions for being considered a qualified public accountant for ERISA purposes, after January 1, 1994, that such a person has undergone a peer review of his or her accounting and auditing practice with respect to employee benefit plans during the three-year period immediately preceding an engagement to conduct an audit under specified ERISA provisions. Requires the following to have a written policy governing the voting of any securities held by the plan and to provide a copy of such policy to the plan administrator: (1) investment managers (for the securities they manage); (2) named fiduciaries who have the authority to direct a trustee in matters related to the exercise of any such voting rights; and (3) trustees, to the extent they retain the power to exercise any such voting rights. Requires plan administrators, upon request of any participant or beneficiary and for a reasonable charge, to furnish a copy of the voting policy of any person responsible for exercising, or directing the exercise of, any voting rights of securities held by the plan. Requires a court, in a civil action brought by a participant or beneficiary with respect to certain benefit claims, to review the fiduciary's decision without according any deference to any of the fiduciary's findings or conclusions, if the action involves a matter previously decided by a named fiduciary who has a significant interest which would be adversely affected by a decision in favor of the participant or beneficiary. Allows deference to be accorded such findings and conclusions to the extent that they affirm those of a party who did not have such an interest. Requires the court, in any action brought by a participant, beneficiary, or fiduciary under fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA in which judgement is awarded in his or her favor, to award such a plaintiff reasonable attorney and expert witness fees and costs. Makes such requirement inapplicable to actions arising from claims for failure to pay benefits or to approve requests for clarification of rights to future benefits. Allows the court in its discretion to award fees and costs to a party who is not entitled to such mandatory fees and costs. Amends both ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to double (from five percent to ten percent) the amount of the civil penalty and excise tax for a plan's engaging in a prohibited transaction. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make a discretionary award of up to ten percent of the civil penalty collected to persons who provide information leading to the initiation of an investigation or the bringing of an action which resulted in the collection of any civil penalties for violations by fiduciaries under ERISA.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2025
Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to provide grants to States for education and training assistance in areas of labor shortage with high rates of foreign workers. Allows service delivery areas, local governments, employers, employer associations, employee representatives, and private nonprofit organizations to apply to the States for grants to provide such training and education. Directs the Secretary to report biennially on such grants to States and the types of programs assisted. Repeals title VIII (Education and Training) of the Immigration Act of 1990, which provides for education and training assistance similar to that provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions concerning permits for dredged or fill material. Prohibits, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; (2) the draining or excavation of wetlands; and (3) the burning of vegetation on wetlands for purposes of altering the biological character of such wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such activities. Sets forth permit application procedures. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the ecosystem of which they are a part and which meet specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of avian, aquatic, or terrestrial wildlife or provide other ecologically significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve limited ecological functions or that serve such functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions. Directs the Secretary to notify a permit applicant of the classification and advise such applicant of the right to seek a classification modification. Sets forth provisions concerning modifications. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Deems such takings to be takings of surface interests in lands only unless the Secretary determines that the exploration for, or development of, oil and gas or mineral interests is not compatible with conservation of the surface interests in lands that have been classified as Type A wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to classify such interests as Type A wetlands and to notify the owner that he may receive compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning court jurisdiction and remedies for taking of interests. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with de minimis alteration or surface disturbance; (2) there are overriding public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the watershed or aquatic ecosystem of which such wetlands are a part does not suffer loss or degradation of wetlands values or functions. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in the permanent loss or degradation of Type B wetlands. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Sets forth requirements of such programs. Permits activities in Type C wetlands to be undertaken without specified authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for activities in Type B wetlands if such activities are similar in nature and will not result in the significant loss of ecologically significant wetlands values and functions. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Permits States or political subdivisions to submit land management plans for identified wetlands for the Secretary's approval. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to establish standards that govern the delineation of lands as wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Provides for public participation in such project and makes information concerning identification and classification available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for permit violations. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations. Applies a specified exemption from permit requirements for discharges from the construction of Federal projects to activities in wetlands related to such projects. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Safe Intermodal Container Transportation Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to investigate the use of intermodal containers in providing commercial motor vehicle transportation and of violations of Federal and State highway weight laws by such use. Requires the Secretary to have random weight checks conducted at selected highway locations. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees the results of such investigation, together with recommendations addressing the problems associated with the use of overweight intermodal containers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1990 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. 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: Technical Corrections and Extensions of Veterans Housing Loan Authorities - Revises the amount of veterans home loans for certain purposes exceeding $144,000 that is automatically guaranteed by the Government. Applies such revisions to loans guaranteed beginning December 18, 1989. Repeals the expiration date of the Secretary's property management authority with respect to property acquired by the Secretary as a result of defaults on veterans' housing loans. Title III: Extension of Certain Health-Care Authorities - Extends: (1) veterans' health-care eligibility based on Agent Orange or ionizing radiation exposure: (2) the authority to make contracts and grants to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines; and (3) the authorization for a pilot program of mobile health-care clinics under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Extends the date until which a veteran may be considered to be a veteran of the Vietnam Era for purposes of disabled veterans' employment and training benefits. Increases the limitation on pension payments from $60 to $90 a month to or for a veteran having neither spouse nor child for any period after the month in which such veteran is readmitted for hospital or institutionalized care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out administrative reorganizations with respect to the realignment of management responsibility for: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs Data Processing Centers; and (2) Information Resources Management operational functions and components within the Department's Central Office. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the expenses of leases for regional and field offices for any fiscal year using funds available to the Secretary for such fiscal year for general operating expenses of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Collective Security in the Persian Gulf Resolution - Declares the intent of the Congress that this Act shall constitute specific statutory authorization for continued U.S. military participation in collective security actions in the Persian Gulf region. Sets forth the immediate goals (unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, restoration of sovereignty to Kuwait, and the protection of the lives of American citizens held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait) and the long-term goals (security and stability of the region and the promotion of a new world order by unprecedented and effective use of the mechanisms of collective security action) and the principles (collective responsibility, emphasis on the United Nations, promotion of adequately shared responsibilities among countries with interests in the region, and compliance with international law) of U.S. policy in the region. Requires the United States to seek effective multilateral participation in such restrictions on trade with the Government of Iraq as are necessary to ensure a cessation of transfers to that regime of military technology and equipment, including all material and technical assistance that could contribute to the development or employment of ballistic missiles and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces in hostilities in the region: (1) for purposes of U.S. participation in collective security actions to implement specified U.N. Security Council resolutions intended to restore the sovereignty of Kuwait or to deter and defend against further Iraqi aggression; and (2) to respond to any acts of intended harm to American citizens or nationals. Requires the President, in the event of significant hostilities in the region which involve or may involve U.S. armed forces, to: (1) seek a declaration of war of other statutory authorization in accordance with this Act; and (2) request funds from the Congress to carry out such declaration or authorization. Directs the Congress to periodically consider further measures of authorization and appropriation in light of further developments. Requires the President to submit periodic reports to specified congressional officials providing a detailed description of the continuing U.S. participation in collective security actions in the region, the circumstances requiring the continuation of such participation, and the results of U.S. efforts undertaken in accordance with the goals set forth in this Act. Establishes Senate and House Leadership Groups to facilitate deliberation and executive-legislative consultation on critical decisions relating to U.S. participation in collective security actions pursuant to this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to the composition of such groups and combined meetings. Requires the President, in the event of developments in the region that involve or appear likely to involve U.S. armed forces in hostilities, to consult fully and promptly with the Senate and House Leadership Groups on the circumstances and the implications thereof. Requires the President, unless urgent circumstances do not permit, to consult with and seek advice from the Congressional Leadership Groups or a Combined Congressional Leadership Group before committing U.S. armed forces to hostilities in the region and, in any event, to consult with and seek advice from such Groups within 24 hours after hostilities occur regardless of urgent conditions. Sets forth congressional priority procedures and time limits for joint resolutions which: (1) declare war and make appropriations as necessary to support such war; (2) provide specific authorization for the use of U.S. armed forces and make appropriations for such use; and (3) order the withdrawal of such troops. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise available for any activity which would have the purpose or effect of violating any provision of law enacted pursuant to this Act. Terminates funding on or after 30 days after such a joint resolution is submitted if the Congress has not enacted a specific authorization for the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to call upon the Governments of: (1) Malaysia to act immediately to end the uncontrolled exploitation of the rain forests of Sarawak and to formally recognize and uphold the customary land rights and internationally established human rights of all its indigenous peoples; and (2) Japan to investigate the activities of certain of that country's private corporations in causing the destruction of the last remaining primary rain forests and, thus, bringing to an end the culture and ultimately threatening the physical survival of the indigenous peoples of Sarawak.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Collective Security in the Persian Gulf Resolution - Sets forth the immediate goals (unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, restoration of sovereignty to Kuwait, and the protection of the lives of American citizens held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait) and the long-term goals (security and stability of the region and the promotion of a new world order by unprecedented and effective use of the mechanisms of collective security action) of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf region. Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces in hostilities in the region: (1) for purposes of U.S. participation in collective security actions to implement specified U.N. Security Council resolutions intended to restore the sovereignty of Kuwait or to deter and defend against further Iraqi aggression; and (2) to respond to any acts of intended harm to American citizens or nationals. Directs the United States to continue to emphasize and: (1) take all necessary steps to secure adequate sharing by countries of the region and of the industrialized world of the responsibilities associated with collective security actions in the region, including the costs of military deployments and participation in economic sanctions; and (2) rely upon the procedures and instrumentalities of the United Nations system to sustain effective multilateral support for such actions. Requires the President to submit periodic reports to specified congressional officials providing a detailed description of the continuing U.S. participation in collective security actions in the region, the circumstances requiring the continuation of such participation, and the results of U.S. efforts undertaken in accordance with the goals set forth in this Act. Establishes Senate and House Leadership Groups to facilitate deliberation and executive-legislative consultation on critical decisions relating to U.S. participation in collective security actions pursuant to this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to the composition of such groups and combined meetings. Requires the President, unless urgent circumstances do not permit, to consult with and seek advice from the Congressional Leadership Groups or a Combined Congressional Leadership Group regarding developments in the involvement of U.S. armed forces in hostilities in the region. Sets forth congressional priority procedures for congressional actions on joint resolutions requiring the President to disengage forces from hostilities within a specified number of days. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise available for any activity which would have the purpose or effect of violating any provision of law enacted pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude aid to families with dependent children assistance (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) from inclusion as income for purposes of food stamp eligibility. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to make a similar exclusion for purposes of rental assistance eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Shareholder Protection Act of 1990 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require that the beneficial owner of a short position of more than five percent of any class of certain equity securities disclose specified identifying information to: (1) the issuer of the securities; (2) each exchange where the securities are traded; (3) each registered securities association; and (4) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Exempts from such disclosure requirements market makers and specialists if the short sales they effect are transacted solely for bona fide market-making purposes. Prohibits the use of an interdealer quotation system to execute transactions relating to puts, calls, straddles, or options in violations of SEC regulations. Grants the issuer of registered securities standing to bring legal action for equitable relief against violators of SEC regulations concerning market manipulation practices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Alaska Peninsula Wilderness Designation Act of 1990 - Designates the following lands in Alaska as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Aniakchak Wilderness within the Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve; (2) the Alaska Peninsula Wilderness within the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; and (3) the addition of specified lands within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge to the Becharof Wilderness. Provides for the relinquishment of Koniag, Inc., Selection Rights (oil and gas rights) to specified lands in Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Tropical Forest Consumer Information and Protection Act of 1990 - Prohibits manufacturing or distributing any tropical wood or tropical wood product unless it bears a label or mark indicating the country in which the wood was grown. Requires sellers through a catalog or communications media to disclose the country of origin. Allows the Secretary of Commerce to assess civil penalties or order compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Establishes the Manzanar National Historic Site in California to protect historical and cultural resources associated with the relocation of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Establishes the Manzanar National Historic Site Advisory Commission to consult with the Secretary of the Interior on matters relating to the development, management, and interpretation of the site. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to activities at the East Park and Stony Gorge Reservoirs, Orland Project, California, to: (1) develop, operate, and maintain public recreation resources; (2) manage natural, cultural, historic, environmental, and fish and wildlife resources; and (3) prepare a resource management plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to provide the opportunity for children to learn about recycling, conservation, animals, and the operations of the National Park System in an educational camp setting at units of the System. Appropriates specified funds for the program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 to provide that a conservator or receiver of any insured depository institution shall not disaffirm or repudiate residential contracts or leases that are required by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish in the Treasury the Textile Machinery Modernization Fund. Appropriates to such fund revenues from customs duties imposed on textile machinery and parts imported into the United States for grants to qualified organizations for research projects for the modernization of the U.S. textile machinery industry.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
National Fishery Resource Conservation System Act of 1990 - Establishes within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the National Fishery Resource Conservation System (NFRCS) consisting of discrete units of fish habitat that are to be provided protection, conservation, and management by appropriate entities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) encourage the States to use specified Federal grants to acquire fish habitat; and (2) promulgate regulations to govern administration of the NFRCS. Establishes the Fishery Resource Conservation Board to: (1) advise the Secretary regarding essential fish habitat; (2) coordinate activities with Federal, State, tribal, local, and other organizations regarding fish habitat; and (3) submit annual recommendations to the Secretary regarding fish habitat areas which should be protected. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual status report, including a habitat priority acquisition list, to the Congress. Authorizes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to annually sell a series of collectible fishery artwork, and to use the funds generated for fishery resources conservation. Authorizes the Service and the Foundation to use contributions for fishery conservation purposes. Authorizes appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2025
Deems the Strategic Target System program conducted by the Sandia National Laboratories of the Department of Energy at the Kauai Test Facility on the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a corporation to establish an industrial recapitalization fund if such corporation has been injured by subsidized sales of imported merchandise or forced sales of less than fair value. Requires such corporation to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Commerce to use such fund to acquire new, or to modernize, plant and equipment in the United States for an essential industry. Allows non-taxable deposits to be made to such fund during the five years after entering into an agreement. Makes certain gains, earnings, and profits non-taxable if related to the fund. Allows qualified withdrawals for the 12 years after formation of the fund and provide for the tax treatment of such fund after the close of the tenth year. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth reporting requirements for the Secretary of Commerce concerning the collection of antidumping and countervailing duties. Requires the appropriate Customs Service officer to reliquidate any entry necessary to correct the failure to assess and collect an antidumping or countervailing duty.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty any partially assembled lead fuel assembly that was or is imported on March 9, 1990, on September 9, 1990, or before December 31, 1993; and (2) refund any duties paid with respect to such imports if a specified certification is made and submitted to the appropriate customs officer. Describes such an assembly as composed of nuclear fuel rods of zircaloy tubes filled with slightly enriched uranium dioxide pellets.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses. Disallows such credit for any expense for which a deduction or credit is allowable under other provisions of the Code or for any expenses paid from Federal, State, or local funds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Defense Nuclear Workers' Compensation Act - Provides that, except as modified by this Act, an employee at any Department of Energy defense nuclear facility (facility) shall be considered an employee for purposes of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). Sets forth special rules for LHWCA coverage of such facility employees. Provides that compensation shall be payable if disability or death results from an injury arising out of and in the course of employment at such a facility. Establishes, in such compensation claim proceedings, a rebuttable presumption that a specified disease (i.e., one of various forms of cancer) is such a compensable injury, if the injured employee has suffered from the described disease, and either: (1) was employed for ten or more years in a building or facility of such a facility in which radioactive materials were regularly stored, handled, or disposed of; or (2) while employed at such building or facility, received ten REM or more total exposure to ionizing radiation or ten percent or more of the maximum permissible body burden exposure to ionizing radiation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend compensation districts established under the LHWCA, or establish new compensation districts, to include any area to which this Act applies, and to assign to each such district one or more deputy commissioners. Includes among the Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities the following facilities under the control or jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy: (1) production or utilization facilities operated for national security purposes; (2) nuclear waste storage or disposal facilities; (3) testing and assembly facilities operated for national security purposes; and (4) nuclear weapons research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Combat Merchant Mariners Benefit Act of 1990 - Provides that: (1) service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency. Limits eligibility to: (1) service on a U.S. vessel on ocean, coastwise, or intercoastal voyages, during a period of war in a combat zone (where such service was rendered to the armed forces in a capacity considered civilian employment or contractual service); (2) any period of forcible detention or internment by an enemy government or hostile force as a result of hostile action against a U.S. vessel while performing such service on the vessel; and (3) any period (up to six months) of service in the War Shipping Administration, the U.S. Maritime Service, or a maritime training program conducted or recognized by the armed forces. Specifies that: (1) the minimum active-duty service requirement of any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs shall apply in determining eligibility for veterans benefits under this Act; (2) the 12-month requirement under this Act shall not apply to an individual who is permanently disabled in the performance of such service while the vessel is subjected to hostile action; and (3) such service may have been rendered before the date of enactment of this Act, but an individual who has performed service before such date shall not be paid veterans benefits that accrue as a result of the enactment of this Act for any period of accrual before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
Allows executive agency employees to take up to five days of leave each year without a reduction in pay or leave to which otherwise entitled in order to donate bone marrow.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Provides that no deduction shall be allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for expenses paid or incurred by an employer for any group health plan if the service on active duty of an eligible Reserve member is considered a break in service for purposes of determining the eligibility of such member, and his or her dependents, to participate in any such plan. Defines "eligible Reserve member" as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces who: (1) after August 2, 1990, is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days; (2) is an employee of an employer on the date of such call or order; and (3) resumes employment with such employer within 60 days after being released from active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Exhibition Animal Protection Act - Makes it unlawful for a person who uses, exhibits, or trains an animal to be used or exhibited at a carnival, circus, animal act, zoo, rodeo, educational exhibit, or for making of a film to: (1) handle such animal in a manner which would tend to injure, kill, or otherwise cause it suffering; (2) fail to maintain an animal population control program to avoid overbreeding of animals and ensure that such animals are not sold to persons to be used for hunting, experimentation, testing, or other practice which would jeopardize their health; (3) fail to provide animals with a physical environment adequate to promote the animal's psychological well-being; or (4) elude any prohibition in this Act by leaving the United states. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) notification requirements before moving such animals; and (2) inspections for violations committed under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate rules establishing standards for a physical environment adequate to promote the psychological well-being of animals protected under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to make recommendations with respect to such regulations. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth specified exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Youth Apprenticeship Act of 1990 - Establishes an Institute for Youth Apprenticeship (the Institute) as an independent establishment to administer youth apprenticeship programs set up under this Act. Directs the Institute Board of Directors to study youth apprenticeship programs; and (2) report findings and conclusions to the Secretaries of Labor and of Education and the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Board Chairperson to establish guidelines, criteria, and procedures for youth apprenticeship programs, based on such report, including curriculum guidelines, criteria for demonstration program sites and for apprenticeship occupations, and competency criteria and certification procedures for apprentices and trainers. Directs the Institute Executive Director to enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private organizations to develop and evaluate youth apprenticeship demonstration programs that establish partnerships between schools and employers. Requires each eligible entity entering into such a contract to establish partnerships between secondary and postsecondary schools and employers to provide apprenticeship training to students. Allows an entity to incorporate into the partnership representatives of organized labor, employment and training agencies, and State education and labor departments. Makes such partnerships responsible for program and curriculum development, coordination and quality assurances, and assessment and evaluation of apprentices and training programs. Sets forth requirements for partnership training for various levels of secondary school students and for postsecondary students and current workers. Sets forth requirements for employers to pay: (1) up to 100 percent of the apprentice's stipend, depending on the secondary school program level; (2) wages and employee benefits for apprentices in postsecondary programs; and (3) costs of on-the-job training. States that employers shall not be required to hire apprentices upon completion of the apprenticeships. Requires participating schools to make in-kind contributions and to allocate resources to meet new demands as young people become more involved in apprenticeship during school. Directs the Institute to coordinate programs by: (1) providing technical assistance to partnerships; (2) operating an apprenticeship clearinghouse for the partnerships; (3) disseminating model programs and practices to the partnerships; and (4) gathering input from all sources on proposals for the labor mobility of apprentices. Authorizes appropriations. Abolishes the Board and Institute, terminates all programs established by this Act, and repeals this Act and the amendments it makes not later than 69 months after the initiation of the youth apprenticeship demonstration programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to include the costs of securing and maintaining a hearing dog trained to assist a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual as allowable medical expenses for the purpose of income-related calculations to determine eligibility for the food stamp program. Amends Federal law to: (1) include as a benefit to certain veterans the provision of hearing dogs trained to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals; (2) permit hearing dogs trained to assist a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual to be admitted to public buildings and other properties owned by the United States; and (3) permit certain common carriers to continue to establish a special rate for transportation of a hearing-impaired individual when accompanied by a dog trained to assist the individual. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a commission regarding measures that should be taken to provide rights regarding the use of guide dogs by deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
National Literacy Act of 1990 - Title I: Literacy: Strategic Planning, Research, and Coordination - Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Literacy (the Task Force), consisting of the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services, the Director of the ACTION Agency, and any other head of an agency that the President considers appropriate. Requires the Task Force to report biennially to the Congress. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to give the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education responsibility for coordinating: (1) all literacy related programs and policy initiatives in the Department of Education; and (2) the staff resources and assistance provided to the Task Force. Directs the Assistant Secretary to assist: (1) in coordinating the related activities and programs of other Federal departments and agencies; and (2) in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities as a Task Force member. Establishes the National Institute for Literacy (the Institute), to be administered under the terms of an interagency agreement entered into by the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services (the Interagency Group). Authorizes the Secretary of Education to include in the Institute any research or development center supported under specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) and any other related center, institute, or clearinghouse within the Department of Education. Requires the Interagency Group to consider seriously the recommendations of the National Institute Board (the Board) in planning Institute goals and implementing programs. Authorizes the Institute to: (1) conduct specified research and demonstrations; (2) assist Federal, State, and local agencies in developing, implementing, and evaluating literacy policy by establishing a national data base and providing technical and policy assistance and development model systems; (3) provide program assistance, training, and technical assistance for literacy programs throughout the United States; (4) collect and disseminate information on a variety of promising methods; (5) review and make recommendations on uniform reporting, performance measures, and program standards; and (6) provide a toll-free long-distance telephone line for literacy providers and volunteers. Authorizes the Institute to award fellowships to Literacy Leader Fellows, i.e. outstanding individuals pursuing careers in adult education or literacy instruction, management, research, or innovation in adult education or literacy. Establishes the National Institute Board (the Board) (Presidential appointees who are not Federal officers or employees) to: (1) make recommendations concerning the appointment of the Institute's Director and staff; (2) provide independent advice on Institute operation; and (3) receive reports from the Interagency Group and the Institute's Director. Directs the Institute to report annually to the Congress for its first two years and then biennially. Authorizes appropriations for the Institute. Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to establish a new program of State literacy resource center grants to: (1) stimulate coordination of literacy services; (2) enhance State and local organizations' capacity to provide literacy services; and (3) serve as a reciprocal link between the Institute and service providers for sharing information data, research, expertise, and literacy resources. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make such grants to establish a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Allows each State to use up to five percent of its grant funds for a State advisory council on adult education and literacy. Allows a group of States to develop and operate a regional adult literacy resource center if they determine that this is a more appropriate approach. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Workforce Literacy - Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Workforce Literacy Assistance Collaborative (the Collaborative) to improve basic skills of individuals, especially those marginally employed or unemployed with low basic skills and limited opportunity for long-term employment and advancement. Requires the Collaborative to assist small and medium-sized businesses, associations representing such businesses, and labor organizations to develop and implement literacy programs tailored to workforce needs. Sets forth various functions of the Collaborative, including planning and technical assistance, program monitoring, and information. Authorizes appropriations. Revises AEA provisions for workplace literacy grants to require the Secretary of Education to: (1) consult with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and (2) give priority to applications from partnerships that include small businesses. Limits such grant period to not more than three years. Establishes a new AEA program of grants for national workforce literacy strategies. Requires that such grant funds facilitate design and implementation of national strategies to assist small and medium-sized businesses and unions to provide literacy and basic skills training to workers. Limits annual awards to not more than ten such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Investment in Literacy - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to extend through FY 1995 and increase the authorization of appropriations for various AEA programs. Provides that a required preference for certain adult education grant applicants with demonstrated capability to recruit and serve educationally disadvantaged adults is to be applied particularly in areas with a high proportion of adults without secondary school diplomas or their equivalent. Requires that AEA grants to States be used for competitive, two-year Gateway Grants to public housing authorities for literacy programs and related activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to evaluate Gateway Grants at least biennially and report the results to specified congressional committees. Renames State advisory councils, under AEA, State advisory councils on adult education and literacy. Makes each council responsible to its State Governor. Revises council procedures and adds specified new duties regarding review of State plans. Revises components of State plans under AEA. Requires such plans to: (1) describe and provide for fulfillment of the literacy needs of individuals in the State; (2) set forth measurable goals for improving literacy levels, retention in literacy programs, and long-term individual learning gains, as well as a comprehensive approach for achieving such goals; (3) report the amount of administrative funds spent on program improvements; and (4) assure that such financial assistance will be used to assist and expand existing programs, and to develop new programs for adults whose lack of basic skills makes them unemployable, keeps them from functioning independently, or severely reduces their ability to help their children achieve literacy. Requires the State agency to evaluate 15 percent of grant recipients each year so that 60 percent shall have been evaluated at the end of the four-year period. Requires such evaluations to consider the recipient's projected goals and success in recruiting, retaining, and assisting participants in reaching desired literacy goals and obtaining subsequent work experience. Requires the State agency to report biennially to the Task Force on the State's progress in meeting its State plan literacy goals. Revises teacher training under AEA to provide for training professional teachers, volunteers, and administrators, emphasizing: (1) full-time professional adult educators; (2) minority adult educators; (3) educators of adults with limited English proficiency; and (4) teachers to recognize and more effectively serve illiterate individuals with learning disabilities and with a reading ability below fifth-grade level. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise targeted assistance programs to include training programs to enhance the ability of teachers and school counselors to identify, particularly in the early grades, students with reading and related problems which place them at risk for adult illiteracy. Renames the Even Start program the Even Start Family Literacy (ESFL) program. Makes eligible for ESFL program grants: (1) a local educational agency (LEA) applying in collaboration with a community-based organization, public agency, higher education institution, or other nonprofit organization; or (2) a community-based organization, or other nonprofit organization of demonstrated quality, applying in collaboration with an LEA. (Current law provides that LEAs or consortia of LEAs are eligible to receive such grants.) Prohibits a State, with respect to grants for Even Start programs, from: (1) awarding a grant which is less than a specified amount; and (2) using more than five percent of such funds for administrative costs and technical assistance for program improvement and replication. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to reserve up to two percent of Even Start funds for program evaluation and for technical assistance for program improvement and replication. Changes the period of a child's Even Start eligibility to from birth through age seven (currently,from age one through age seven), if current parental and residential eligibility requirements are met. Provides for continuation of eligibility to participate in the Even Start program until all children in a family attain age eight and the eligible parent or parents attain the appropriate educational advancement. Revises the Even Start grant award selection process to require applicant proposals to demonstrate that the area to be served has a high percentage or a large number of children and adults who need such services, as indicated by high levels of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, limited English proficiency, or other factors. Requires the review panel to give grant priority to proposals that demonstrate such an ability to operate an effective program. Requires a representative distribution of Even Start assistance among the States, among urban and rural areas of the United States, and within a State. Increases the authorization of appropriations for Even Start programs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to arrange for production and dissemination of family literacy programming and accompanying materials to assist parents in improving family literacy skills and language development. Directs the CPB to: (1) arrange to have audio and video instructional media materials for distribution at sites chosen from among libraries operating literacy programs and nonprofit entities serving hard-to-serve populations; and (2) report to the Congress on distribution and use of such materials. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Business Leadership for Employment Skills - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to pay half of the costs of establishing and operating adult education programs which increase the skills of eligible commercial drivers so that they may successfully complete the knowledge test requirements under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Makes eligible to receive such grants: (1) private employers employing commercial drivers, in partnership with educational agencies, colleges, or universities; (2) local or State educational agencies, colleges, universities, or community colleges; (3) approved apprentice training programs; and (4) labor organizations whose memberships include commercial drivers. Requires grantees to refer individuals with literacy skill problems to appropriate adult education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Books for Families - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require the Reading is Fundamental organization (RIF), as contractor for the inexpensive book distribution program for reading motivation, to give priority in the selection of additional local programs to programs and projects which serve children and students with certain special needs. Directs RIF to report annually to the Secretary of Education on the number and description of such additional programs. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act to direct the Secretary of Education, in awarding grants for State and local public library literacy programs, to give priority to programs and services which: (1) will be delivered in areas of greatest need with highest concentrations of adults without secondary education or its equivalent, and which have either few community or financial resources to establish the program or low per capita income, unemployment, or underemployment; and (2) coordinate with literacy organizations and community-based organizations providing literacy services. Title VI: Students for Literacy - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the Student Literacy Corps program. Requires an individual, as a condition for receiving credit in courses under such program, to perform at least 60 hours voluntary service during the academic term as a tutor in an educational or literacy program. (Current law requires six hours of such service in each week of such academic term.) Title VII: Volunteers for Literacy - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to establish a Literacy Challenge Grants program. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director) to award such challenge grants to eligible public agencies and private organizations to pay the Federal share of the costs of establishing, operating, or expanding community or employee literacy programs or projects that include the use of full-time or part-time volunteers. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Literacy for Incarcerated Individuals - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to establish requirements for mandatory functional literacy programs for incarcerated adults in State correctional systems and local jails or detention centers. Requires such a program to be in effect within two years in at least one major correctional faility, for each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with an inmate population. Requires each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with an over 150 inmate population to have such a program in effect within five years, if funds are available. Sets forth required components of such programs. Exempts from required participation any individual who is serving a life sentence without parole, or terminally ill, or under a sentence of death. Requires annual reports on such mandatory literacy programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to set forth provisions concerning the "Foreign Relations of the United States" historical series, a documentary record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and diplomatic activity. Requires all Federal agencies engaged in foreign policy to develop procedures for their historical offices to coordinate with the Department of State's Office of the Historian in selecting materials for inclusion in the series. Directs the Advisory Committee on the Foreign Relations of the United States Historical Series for the Department of State to review and make recommendations concerning the documents to be included. Requires selected documents to be selected for declassification review. Directs Federal agencies, if a document is not declassifiable because of a need to protect sources, methods, or sensitive national security information, to make deletions in the text to make the document declassifiable. Requires Federal agencies, if the meaning of a document is so altered by such deletions that it would be misleading, to prepare an unclassified summary of the document. Sets forth congressional reporting requirements for agencies that refuse to prepare declassified documents or unclassified summaries. Establishes the Advisory Committee on the Foreign Relations of the United States Historical Series for the Department of State. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to approve the withholding of a document or a portion of a document from publication in the historical series if necessary to: (1) avoid publication of matters which would impede current diplomatic negotiations or official activities of the U.S. Government; or (2) condense the record and avoid repetition of details. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that the historical series is published within 30 years after the events documented. Requires all Department of State documents to be automatically declassified 30 years after the events documented and made available to the public at the National Archives unless such documents would: (1) compromise weapons technology important to the U.S. national defense or provide access by other nations to weapons design information or to cryptologic systems or codes; (2) disclose the names of living persons who provided confidential information to the United States where disclosure would result in harm to such persons; or (3) impede current diplomatic negotiations or official activities of the U.S. Government. Directs the Advisory Committee to review and report annually to the Information Security Oversight Office, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the State Department's declassification procedures and documents representative of State Department documents that remain classified after 30 years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Educational Equity and Excellence Act of 1990 - Title I: National Goals - Sets forth national goals for education in the following categories: (1) disadvantaged children's readiness for school; (2) school completion; (3) student achievement; (4) mathematics and science; (5) family literacy and lifelong learning; (6) safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools; (7) teacher recruitment and retention; and (8) equal opportunity for postsecondary education. Title II: The President's Education Programs - Part A: Presidential Schools of Distinction - Presidential Schools of Distinction Act - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1 programs) to establish a Presidential Schools of Distinction Award program. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Nontraditional Routes to Teacher Certification and Licensure - Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification and Licensure Act of 1990 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a program for alternative routes to elementary and secondary school teacher certification and licensure. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education - Amends ESEA title II (renamed as Critical Skills Improvement and Presidential Teacher Awards) to establish a Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education Program for elementary and secondary school teachers. Authorizes appropriations. Part D: Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for awards to qualified historically Black colleges and universities. Declares that an institution that receives such an award shall not be eligible for another type of award under other provisions. Title III: Literacy - National Literacy Act of 1990 - Part A: Literacy: Strategic Planning, Research, and Coordination - Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Literacy. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education to coordinate literacy-related programs. Establishes the National Institute for Literacy and the National Institute Board. Authorizes the Institute to award Literacy Leader Fellowships. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to establish a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Workforce Literacy - Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Workforce Literacy Assistance Collaborative. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for national workforce literacy strategies grants business, industry, labor, and education partnerships for workplace literacy. Requires the Secretary of Education, in awarding grants for exemplary demonstration partnerships for workplace literacy, to: (1) give priority to partnerships which include small businesses; and (2) limit such grant awards to not more than three years. Directs the Secretary to reserve a specified amount, whenever appropriations for workforce literacy partnership grants exceed a certain level, to establish a program of grants for large-scale national workforce literacy strategies. Authorizes appropriations for AEA workforce literacy programs. Part C: Investment in Literacy - Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for programs under the Adult Education Act (AEA). Revises the use of funds under the basic State grants program. Requires that basic grants to States also be used for competitive two-year Gateway Grants to public housing authorities for literacy programs and related activities. Requires biennial evaluations and reports on such Gateway Grants. Revises AEA to give advisory councils, plans, and evaluations literacy-related responsibilities. Requires States to report biennially to the Interagency Task Force on meeting literacy goals, coordinating workplace literacy services, and building a high quality delivery system for adult literacy programs. Provides for training educators to recognize and serve illiterate individuals more effectively. Revises targeted assistance programs under ESEA to include training programs to enhance the ability of teachers and school counselors to identify, particularly in the early grades, students with reading and related problems which place them at risk for adult illiteracy. Renames the Even Start program under ESEA as the Even Start Family Literacy Program. Revises the program to expand eligibility to include community-based organizations, or other nonprofit organizations of demonstrated quality applying in collaboration with a local educational agency (LEA) (as well as LEAs and LEA consortia). Sets minimum grant amounts. Makes individual children eligible from birth through age seven (currently from age one through age seven). Provides for continuation of eligibility for certain participants until the parents become ineligible due to educational achievement, or until all children in the family attain age eight. Gives priority to applicants demonstrating that the area to be served has a high percentage or a large number of children and adults in need of program services. Authorizes appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy Program. Establishes a Family Literacy Public Broadcasting Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, subject to availability of appropriations, to contract with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for production and dissemination of family literacy programming and accompanying materials to assist parents in improving family literacy skills and languages development. Requires CPB to: (1) cooperate with local public broadcasting stations; (2) arrange for distribution of audio and video instructional media materials for use, and distribution on loan, to families at sites chosen from among State and local libraries with literacy programs and nonprofit entities serving hard-to-serve populations; and (3) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Part D: Business Leadership for Employment Skills - Amends AEA to provide for education programs for commercial drivers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive matching grants for adult education programs which increase the literacy skills of eligible commercial drivers so that they may successfully complete the knowledge test requirements under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Requires grantees to refer individuals identified as having literacy skill problems to appropriate adult education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Books for Families - Revises the ESEA inexpensive book distribution program to require that priority be given in selection of additional local programs to those which serve children and students with special needs. Requires the program contractor (Reading is Fundamental) to report to the Secretary of Education annually on such additional programs. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act to direct the Secretary of Education, in awarding grants for library literacy programs and services, to give priority to those that: (1) will be delivered in areas of greatest need with highest concentrations of adults without secondary education or its equivalent, and which either have few community or financial resources or have low per capita income, unemployment, or underemployment; and (2) coordinate with literacy organizations and community-based organizations providing literacy services. Part F: Students for Literacy - Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for Student Literacy Corps programs. Requires individual students in such programs, as a condition of course credit, to perform at least 60 hours of voluntary, uncompensated service as tutors in a public community agency's educational or literacy program. Part G: Volunteers for Literacy - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to establish a Literacy Challenge Grants program. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency to award such grants to eligible public and private entities to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing, operating, or expanding community or employee literacy programs that include the use of full- or part-time volunteers. Authorizes appropriations for Literacy Challenge Grants, but only if there are specified levels of funding for the VISTA Program and the VISTA Literacy Corps. Part H: Literacy for Incarcerated Individuals - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to establish requirements for mandatory functional literacy programs for incarcerated adults in State correctional systems and local jails or detention centers. Requires such a program to be in effect in at least one major correctional facility, for each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with an inmate population, within two years after enactment of this Act. Requires, if adequate funds are available, each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with over 150 inmates to have such a program in effect within five years after enactment of this Act. Sets forth required components of such programs, including inmate mandatory participation penalties and incentives. Exempts from participation (except for any individual who is serving a life sentence without parole, or terminally ill, or under a sentence of death). Requires annual reports. Encourages: (1) parole agencies to make educational recommendations for those being released who do not have a marketable job skill or a high school diploma; and (2) jails with less than 150 inmates to develop such mandatory functional literacy programs. Title IV: Teacher Training - Teachers Act - Part A: Perkins Loans and Douglas Teacher Scholarships - Amends HEA to add special rules for Perkins student loan cancellation for teachers who perform service in specified types of schools. Authorizes appropriations for the Douglas Teacher Scholarship program under HEA. Part B: Financial Assistance for Teacher Corps and for Other Institutional Recruitment and Retention of Individuals Preparing to Enter the Teacher Force - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to State agencies to: (1) establish a Teacher Corps with scholarships and LEA induction and mentor programs; (2) make grants to institutions of higher education for new and innovative programs for recruitment and retention of students seeking teaching careers, with priority on individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and individuals needing financial assistance who demonstrate academic achievement and potential for success in teaching. Provides for allocation of funds to State agencies. Directs the State agency to award grants from such funds as follows: (1) 80 percent to institutions of higher education, in accordance with specified priorities, and (2) 20 percent to LEAs for induction and mentor programs, with priority for LEAs with the greatest proportion of disadvantaged students. Sets forth requirements for higher education institution applications, plans, and uses of such funds, including specific recruitment and retention strategies and coordination with Teacher Corps and other related activities. Requires that at least 35 percent of an institution's grant be used for a Teacher Corps Scholarship program. Sets forth requirements for Teacher Corps scholarship recipients (members). Sets forth limitations on scholarship amount and duration. Provides for eligibility, special consideration, and institution-established criteria. Sets forth Teacher Corps scholarship conditions, including agreement to work for five years in one of specified types of schools. Requires scholarship repayment in cases of noncompliance. Sets forth requirements for LEAs receiving grants for Teacher Corps induction programs, including applications and use of funds. Allows such programs to be developed in cooperation with higher education institutions. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities for Teacher Corps programs, including scholarship information dissemination to individuals leaving the armed services and assistance to foster communications among Teacher Corps members. Sets forth reporting and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Academic Areas of National Importance - Subpart 1: Foreign Languages - Amends the Star Schools Program Assistance Act to authorize appropriations in necessary amounts for FY 1993 to carry out Star Schools program assistance. Requires applications for such assistance for instructional programming to provide assurances that such programming will be designed in consultation with teachers of the applicable subject matter and grade level. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make demonstration grants to eligible consortia to: (1) operate critical languages and area studies programs; (2) develop and acquire educational equipment and materials; and (3) develop teacher training programs, texts, curricula, and other activities designed to improve and expand the instruction of foreign languages at elementary and secondary schools. Limits the maximum amount of such a demonstration grant to an eligible consortium in any single fiscal year. Requires that a consortium eligible for such demonstration grants consist of a cooperative effort between entities in one or more States that must include at least: (1) one institution of higher education;(2) one secondary school with experience in teaching critical foreign languages; and (3) one secondary school in which at least 25 percent of the students are eligible to be counted under certain provisions for education of disadvantaged students (under Chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Allows such consortia to include a not-for-profit organization to provide services not otherwise available from the other entities. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Training and Instructional Materials - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to higher education institutions or nonprofit organizations to develop innovative and model programs that integrate foreign language and culture, democracy and civic education, geography, and international studies into practicing and preservice elementary school teacher education (and, after elementary school teacher needs have been met, into secondary school teacher education). Sets forth grant proposal requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to various educational entities and consortia to enable them to act as a resource center for: (1) coordinating development and dissemination of foreign language and culture instructional materials; and (2) encourage expanded use of technology in teaching foreign languages and culture at the elementary school level (and, when those needs are met, at the secondary school level). Requires coordination with materials and technologies developed under the Star Schools Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations. Part D: National Foundation for Excellence - National Foundation for Excellence Act - Establishes a National Foundation for Excellence. Establishes within the Treasury a National Foundation for Excellence Trust Fund. Establishes a National Foundation for Excellence Board. Directs the Foundation to pay the Federal share (50 percent) of awarding scholarships to eligible individuals to pursue teaching careers. Sets forth merit and need requirements for eligibility, and priorities for awards to disadvantaged individuals. Limits such scholarships to a maximum of four years of undergraduate and two years of graduate study. Sets scholarship conditions, including a teaching commitment agreement. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: National Writing Project - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to contract with the National Writing Project (a nonprofit educational organization) to support costs of programs of teacher training and classroom research to improve the teaching of writing and the quality of student writing and learning. Directs the Project to establish a National Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to make grants to individuals and higher education institutions for research on the teaching of writing, giving priority to junior researchers. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Professional Development Academies - Establishes a program of Augustus F. Hawkins Professional Development Academies to provide in-service training and other activities to teachers and school administrators. Allows such academies to include preservice training and to serve specified other educational workers as well as teachers. Provides for allocation of 85 percent of funds under this part to State educational agencies (SEAs) on the basis of number of disadvantaged children and school-aged population. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent, but provides for 100 percent in hardship cases. Allows the non-Federal share to be provided by LEAs in cash or in kind, including teacher sabbaticals. Sets the term of each academy grant at five years, renewable. Sets forth authorized local uses of funds, including: (1) providing specified types of professional development programs for teachers; (2) paying costs of release time, stipends, college or university credit, curricular materials and other necessities; and (3) providing sabbaticals for experienced teachers in accordance with specified requirements for membership in the Career Teacher Corps. Directs the Secretary to reserve five percent of funds under this part to make competitive five-year (renewable) grants to eligible recipients to establish and operate up to four National Professional Development Academies (each in one of specified subject areas). Directs the Secretary to reserve ten percent of funds under this part in each fiscal year to carry out any one or more of the following demonstration programs: (1) class size research; (2) new careers for teachers; (3) restructuring of schools/school-based management; (4) middle school teaching; (5) national Teacher Job Bank Clearinghouse; and (6) school year extension study commission. School Year Study Commission Act - Establishes a School Year Study Commission, to study and report to the President and the Congress on the advisability of lengthening the school day and the academic year in U.S. public elementary and secondary schools. Terminates the Commission after its final report. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this part. Part G: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (the Board) to pay the Federal share (50 percent) of authorized activities. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth terms and conditions for such assistance. Requires the Board to consult at least twice annually with the Fund for Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching Board. Requires that Federal funds under this part be used only for research and development activities directly related to the development of teacher assessment and certification procedures for public elementary and secondary school teachers. Requires the Board, in such activities, to give priority to: (1) mathematics, sciences, foreign languages, and literacy; and (2) certification of teachers and the need and ability of teachers to teach special educational populations. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to conduct research on the professional preservice and inservice development of teachers, in order to develop models for the successful attainment of professional licensure and certification, to be used by the States or for national voluntary examinations. Declares that voluntary participation in certification assessments by the Board should be open to home school, private school, and public school teachers. Part H: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends ESEA with respect to authorized uses of magnet schools assistance to include payment or subsidization of compensation of teacher aides. Amends GEPA to authorize the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to carry out FY 1991 planning activities in preparation for conducting a specified type of assessment in FY 1994, subject to the enactment of legislation authorizing such assessment. Authorizes appropriations for specified administrative expenses and functions of the National Assessment Board. Revises the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Act with regard to the President of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. Title V: Postsecondary Education Provisions - Amends HEA to revise the Pell Grant program with respect to: (1) number of academic years of eligibility; and (2) program funding from the next succeeding fiscal year's appropriation whenever current year funds are insufficient to fully satisfy all entitlements. Modifies the method of computation of contributions under Pell Grant needs analysis and general needs analysis for other student assistance programs. Redefines "independent student" for Pell Grant and for other student assistance programs. Prohibits guaranty agencies from selling lists of student borrowers under the Stafford guaranteed student loan (GSL) program. Authorizes a State guaranty agency to request from the State licensing board the address of a student borrower whose location is unknown or unavailable to the agency. Revises provisions for reports to credit bureaus and institutions of higher education. Sets forth special disclosure rules on Supplemental Loans to Students (SLS loans) and parent loans (PLUS loans). Revises the computation of repayment periods. Revises Work-Study Program provisions to add a Student Mentor Pilot Program, to test the feasibility of using work-study funds to provide incentives to eligible students at institutions of higher education to engage in mentor activities to help disadvantaged youths who are at risk of dropping out of elementary or secondary school. Requires financial aid applications for student assistance to disclose the identity of the preparer. Requires student loan borrowers to disclose to the lender their driver's license number and the name and address of their next of kin. Provides that students attending public or nonprofit institutions of higher education located in the freely associated states, rather than a State, are eligible for specified student assistance programs, as are such institutions. Revises provisions for the territorial teacher training assistance program. Suspends an individual student's eligibility for student assistance for specified periods upon conviction for certain drug-related offenses. Directs the Secretary of Education to maintain and publicize a toll-free consumer telephone hotline for students to report alleged fraud or unfair practices in student aid by eligible institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to require institutions to refund the student's tuition and fees, upon determination of specified violations, failures, or misrepresentation, in accordance with specified procedures. Directs the Secretary, in advance of the 1991-1992 academic year, to provide institutions information specifying the legal restrictions and the requirements of eligible institutions relating to loan counseling and reporting requirements, including disclosure of borrower records to third parties, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and any other applicable Federal law. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Part A: Law-Related Education - Amends ESEA to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to educate elementary and secondary school students about the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, and to foster civic competence and responsibility. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with the Center for Civic Education to carry out such program, to be known as "We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution." Sets forth required program contents, including simulated congressional hearings. Authorizes appropriations. Revises ESEA law-related education programs, including priority for statewide programs, grant award period, and application requirements. Part B: Assessment - Amends the National Summit Conference on Education Act of 1984 with respect to executive committee membership, regional meetings, and agenda. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to make grants to establish demonstration projects to develop exemplary and innovative diagnostic assessment systems policies, and practices. Sets forth eligibility and application requirements and grant award priorities, for LEAs, SEAs, higher education institutions, and consortia. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on such grant programs. Authorizes appropriations. Amends GEPA with respect to the National Center for Education Statistics. Requires a specified report of such Center to contain nationally comparable and uniform data by State. Part C: Amendments to the General Education Provisions Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) with respect to: (1) the responsibility of State educational agencies (SEAs) to furnish certain information to the Secretary of Education; and (2) enforcement, including administrative law judges, recovery of funds, measure of recovery, and use of recovered funds. Part D: Amendments to Existing Programs - Amends the Bilingual Education Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to reserve funds for developmental bilingual education projects and special alternative instructional projects in middle school grades. Requires such programs to feature developmental bilingual approaches for fostering academic achievement and retention by emphasizing the arts and humanities, site-based decisionmaking, magnet schools community involvement, and collaboration with local colleges. Amends ESEA with respect to the Secretary's fund for innovation in education to authorize the Secretary to establish programs for improving the educational performance of and employment opportunities available for elementary and secondary students who are not performing to their educational potential. Sets forth grant priorities. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to provide for drug abuse resistance education programs. Amends the following Federal laws with respect to treatment of U.S. territories and the freely associated states: (1) ESEA; (2) AEA; (3) the Star Schools Program Assistance Act; (4) the Education of the Handicapped Act; and (5) the Library Services and Construction Act. Part E: Planning Grants for Innovative Demonstration Projects and Research - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make three-year grants to SEAs, LEAs, and consortia to plan for the development and expansion of policies, programs, and projects that: (1) increase opportunities of parents to select their children's school or program, especially parents of disadvantaged, minority, or rural children; (2) advance equity in methods used by States and LEAs to support public elementary and secondary education systems; (3) further parent involvement in education of their children, especially the economically disadvantaged; and (4) further business and community involvement in public education. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to conduct research, and disseminate its results, on open enrollment systems, parental involvement, school finance equalization, and business involvement in public education. Requires each recipient of research funds to submit a copy of its final research results to the Educational Resources Information Center. Provides for Federal dissemination of exemplary programs. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Educational Peformance Agreements for School Restructuring - Directs the Secretary of Education to enter into State and local performance agreements for up to 35 local schools nationwide, in order to grant authority to combine Federal and State special needs education, drug education, and training programs. Grants authority for other Federal agencies to enter into such agreements. Sets limitations on such agreements, and terminates combination authority after six years, absent subsequent legislation to the contrary. Provides for: (1) State assurances and educational performance agreements; (2) local performance agreements; (3) local review and assessment; and (4) evaluations and reports. Directs the Secretary of Education, by January 1, 1992, to prepare a report on the public schools of each State. Part G: Definitions - Sets forth definitions of certain terms used in this Act. Title VII: Science Scholarships - Part A: National Science Scholars Program - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education for awards to National Science Scholars as well as for scholarship continuation awards. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out a National Science Scholars Program of scholarships to students for the study of the physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Requires that such students: (1) be selected by the President; (2) have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in such fields; and (3) show promise of continued outstanding academic performance in such fields. Provides for an initial award for first undergraduate year, and continuation awards for remaining undergraduate years. Permits National Science Scholars to use their scholarships at any institution of higher education. Provides for selection of such scholars. Gives such scholarship recipients, to the extent they are otherwise qualified, priority consideration for federally financed summer employment in federally funded research and development centers that complements and reinforces their educational program. Part B: Robert Noyce Scholarships - Establishes a Robert Noyce Mathematics and Science Teacher Corps scholarship program for students in a baccalaureate degree program in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering who are willing to commit themselves to teaching elementary or secondary school science or mathematics. Provides for initial awards for one year of undergraduate study, a first continuation award for one year to complete undergraduate study, and a second continuation award for additional educational courses for teacher certification. Provides for the selection process. Requires recipients to serve as elementary or secondary mathematics or science teachers at a school receiving ESEA assistance for the special educational needs of disadvantaged children. Requires such service to be at least two years for every year of scholarship assistance, up to a total of four years, and to be within six years of graduation or the end of scholarship assistance. Provides for a repayment alternative in the event of failure to complete such service, with specified exceptions. Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation, for transfer to the Department of Education to carry out this part. Part C: Additional Provisions - Makes any person who is convicted of certain controlled substance violations or any felony ineligible for, and liable for repayment of, awards under this title. Provides for good cause exemptions. Directs the National Science Foundation to report to the Congress, within one year after enactment of this Act, on current efforts to improve the quality of elementary and secondary mathematics and science education and career potential for the underprivileged through joint efforts of business, school districts, and institutions of higher education, with recommendations for ways the Federal Government may encourage such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 2025
Micro Enterprise Loans for the Poor Act - Requires the Administrator of the agency responsible for administering the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make assistance available to financial intermediaries in developing countries to enable them to provide loans and other assistance for micro enterprises, with particular emphasis on loans for self-employment. Specifies that such assistance may be made available for use by such financial intermediaries: (1) in extending credit for micro enterprises; (2) in extending credit for such purposes as food processing and production of cloth and clothing; (3) for the start-up costs incurred by a nongovernmental organization in becoming a financial intermediary; (4) for expenses incurred by financial intermediaries in providing training and technical assistance for micro enterprises; and (5) to provide other assistance necessary to the successful functioning of micro enterprises. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for financial intermediaries providing such assistance. Requires the Administrator to place primary emphasis on: (1) making assistance available to the poorest people in the least developed countries; and (2) the development of the capacity of and use of indigenous nongovernmental organizations (especially those representing women, tribal people, and other minorities) which will provide credit and other assistance to micro enterprises. Sets forth the total amounts of assistance to be provided for such programs for FY 1992 and 1993. Specifies that such amounts shall be made available from: (1) funds made available under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to development assistance and economic support; (2) foreign currencies generated from specified sources; and (3) amounts paid to the United States on loans made to financial intermediaries. Specifies that at least 75 percent of such amount shall be used for direct credit support of micro enterprises. Authorizes the Administrator to use development and economic assistance funds to provide assistance to the governments of devleoping countries on a loan basis repayable in foreign currencies. Requires notification to the Congress of the reprogramming of economic assistance funds made available to financial intermediaries under this Act. Requires the Administrator to encourage economic policies which promote micro enterprises in policy dialogues concerning economic policies with, and efforts to reform economic policies of, countries receiving economic assistance from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Declares that: (1) the deployment of U.S. armed forces into certain hostilities in the Middle East is subject to the War Powers Resolution; (2) there has been no declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or national emergency created by an attack on the United States, its territories, or armed forces justifying the President's deployment of U.S. troops; and (3) this deployment shall be ceased immediately and all U.S. forces deployed to the Middle East in connection with Operation Desert Shield shall be withdrawn immediately.